Whatever It Takes

If I had a drawer
filled with aging apples
to sniff, I might not need
to repeat the word

rosewater
into the stagnant air.
Might comprehend narrative
in its raw state.

Art of Seduction

Are you Flaubert’s least
untrue, she won’t dare
ask for fear

your reply might smack
her cheek, lick her lip,
keep her

reaching for more
paint and wall.