Skin Prayers

You walk past me in that crowded room and every sane thought I’ve ever had just shuts the fuck off like someone killed the lights upstairs with a quick tilt of your head
I can hear my better judgment banging on the inside of my skull
but your perfume is already climbing into my lungs
rewriting my plans, You don’t even touch me at first
just stand close enough that my arm hairs stand up like they’re praying to be noticed
And in that one inch between us lives every bad decision I’ve ever made
waiting to be chosen.

You lean in, say something stupid about the song
I don’t even hear the words
just feel your breath hit that spot under my ear where my whole body goes loose
Somebody laughs, somebody claps
the room tries to pull me back
but my pulse is already slipping your way like a hostage that won’t refuse
You ask if I want to get out of here

like you don’t already know my answer
like my eyes haven’t been on your mouth for three songs straight
I follow you into the dark like a devout idiot chasing a god made of hunger and fate.
This is not worship, This is need dressed up like faith
Two heathens whispering dirty hymns While we strip down grace.

I say skin prayers on your body
both hands pressed like I’m begging some dark truth not to stop
Every kiss a broken word
every bite a promise I’ll take this all the way till we drop
If lust is a church, then we’re on the altar
laughing with our backs arched, eyes rolled
I don’t believe in heaven

But I believe in how you hold.
You drag me to your place
slam the door like a commandment
push me back against it with a look that says “you already know this whole fucking routine
” We strip each other like we’re mad at fabric
like every button is an insult we’re determined to tear apart
You climb on top of me like you’re taking confession with your hands

like every grind is another sin you’re trying to purge from your chest
I grab your waist and hold on like a sinner who finally found a religion that understands his mess.
We’re not searching for redemption
We’re just trying to drown
In a sacrament made of sweat And turning sound.

But I believe in how you hold.
After, when the room cools and the pulse finds its beat
You trace circles on my chest and ask what I’m thinking
like there’s any part of me that understands anything beyond the next time your hands close on my feet
Beyond the next time I fall to my knees like this
I say skin prayers on your body
both hands pressed like I’m begging some dark truth not to stop

I swear I’m done, Till you text “come say your prayers
” And I’m at your door.