forgive me for the parts of you i’m yet to kiss by Ifeanyi Ogbo
MARGINALIA • SKIP TO THE POEM
1.
The curious thing about desire is the way it inhabits my body. Some days it almost feels like a secret, and some days I am a bowl of hot soup you drop onto the floor, spilling everywhere, making a mess, and by that I mean: it’s everywhere. Everywhere.
2.
I, too, ask forgiveness—for every word I have failed to find to describe how it is to be held by you. And for letting myself fail anyway.
forgive me for the parts of you i’m yet to kiss
Ifeanyi Ogboi used to think there was only one part of
the body meant for kisses,
but on your body I discovered a thousand places.you were born naked so I could clothe you with kisses,
my lips were made to adorn every inch of
the landscape of your skin.kisses on places you’ll never want your mother
to read about,
sinful actions too holy for confession.and when we finally merge into one
my body memorizing every part of yours
i discover there are ways to visit heaven without dying.
[expand title=”Endnotes” tag=”h6″ expanded=”true”]
This poem appeared in A Forever Kind of Dream by Ifeanyi Ogbo, published by Bobtimystic Books, 2015. Shared here with profound gratitude.
Read more works by Ifeanyi Ogbo • Find books by this poet • Or view my library
Explore poems in pursuit of: desire • the body • intimacy • Or browse the index
[/expand]
[expand title=”Dear Reader” tag=”h6″]
This little corner of the world is my passion project since 2005. My commitment is that it will always remain free to all. If this place holds meaning for you, would you consider supporting it? This can be in the form of a cup of coffee (+ other ways).
Note that Read A Little Poetry may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through any links on this site. It is at no additional cost to you and helps in the upkeep of this space.
Thank you for being here all these years—and into the future—as I hold poets to the light.
[/expand]
[expand title=”Pin This” tag=”h6″]
[/expand]
—
Briana
“i discover there are ways to visit heaven without dying.”
That phrase! Oh so beautiful. Brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for this.
I’ve been in tears so much lately for all sorts of reasons. I need to stop thinking about that line or I’ll dehydrate!
Oh life. You rich, full, beautiful terror. You wellspring of joy.
T.
Tears can be cathartic—but also I’m sending you love, for whatever the tears are for.
T.