pillowtalk

our best conversations happen

with my cheek pressed

to your chest

and your listening ear

against a pillow

 

it’s damp from my tears

but you wouldn’t know

it dried overnight

and you were busy

 

there’s cut flowers

in a nearby vase

i picked platonic tulips

that add rosy hues

to your beiges and creams

and our skin against creased sheets

 

the vitamins you take

that you forgot to put away

on the sidetable

you don’t like me seeing

your deficiencies

iron or other

 

sometimes when your eyes are still shut

i sneak a glance into

your Ikea dresser

to check for secrets

you won’t confess

in your dreams

or my caress

 

our best conversations happen

when i’m shuffling out your ivory door.

– ammarah siddiqui