Identity

I ask you
if you would say my name more
with your skin to mine

you whisper in my ear
and my heart unfolds

It’s a little thing
and asking has made me
feel ashamedly needy

then you say my name
again

the way you touch me
gently

the way you look at me
half-open eyes

I long to plunge
into the depths
your love opens

and I am afraid
old fears that really
are not of you

and so I reach out
and with my fingertips
slide along your shoulder