bluefin

it was six
when you finally breathed
i think the waves on the rocks made you do it
and your breath
brought life to me
released tendons and tensions and sadness we never
had time to ponder

in the warm water
with sweet-smudged cheeks,
white sheets
and pepper
        you exhaled death and inhaled me

and  i couldn't stop kissing your face

into the blue i asked you
to open me today
to crawl inside
where i could feel you

and i'll take the rain and the knives
and the pain too

whatever it takes for the joy that comes afterward