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Keep Me


Keep me.
Nestle my core
into the plush of your hand
Wrist locked steady
Careful now
Careful now
Don't cradle me
bird's nest suspended
Keep me.
Canopy me with fleshy fingers
Keep me.

Thread yourself through all the letters
of all my names
especially those you whisper
over me when I sleep
(you do watch me when i sleep, don't you?!)
Loop my alphabet around your neck
Careful now
Careful now
Don't flaunt me
bauble shiny
Keep me.
Drape my charms closer to your chest than
the world

Keep me.

Tuck my affections
in the pocket of your jeans
Slip me deep in cotton corners
weightless and constant
Careful now
Careful now
Don't stroke absently
at smooth surfaces
Carry about my devotion
As needed, reach in to trace firm contours
Keep me.
talisman
true

Keep me
Keep me
with you.
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