She: Cartography

you must know:

(you must—
and you don’t—
which is why
I’m telling you—)

how to say
your prayers

how to praise
the instep
of the footstep,
then the hem
and then the
un-hemmed-in

you must know:

(you must—
and you do—
but it is key
and so I emphasize—)

to inhale
exhalation

to soak in
incense smoke,
to brush with lips
the hair—
sometimes,
only air—
 
look: Look.
Taste. Touch.
Feel. Map
with your finger
tip . . . (tip): tips

don’t ask:
she won’t know
what she wants
until she has it—

that secret she keeps
even from herself

but she wants to know
 
she wants
to know—

she knows she wants,
and, knowing,
wants you.

_