a sleeping beauty 

with slender ankles

desire beneath the lace

flesh-colored stockings

seamless veil

satin ribbons tied in place

the heart races tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

the foot's caress

its delicate arch

hands sealed to the skin

the warmth of this body 

nestled at desire's mercy

scent and softness in accord within

and impulses knock, knock, knock

she emerges from her hazy nap

the front and back on the brink of collapse

without waiting

everything within her intensifies

ti-ti-ti-ta-ta-ta-ti-ti-ti.

figures printed in cinnabar

shake themselves out to the edges

her back is a theater of elfin shadows

under the thick wood-chip smoke

hidden room imbued with sandalwood

her fabrics tighten beneath the fine knit

her skin gleams as she rinses herself

backstage her little fingers play

corners purified by warm water.