face to face

it's like good sex
the palindromic almost-symmetry
of smiling eye to eye

first the nascent curl of the lip
the uncontrollable elevating flesh
like a teasing spark
in the dark
like a charge that gives movement
to static muscle
now electric with confidence
through the nerve to allow it

we see it in each other
lighting bulbs in the brain
contagious, like a sneeze
growing inside like thunder
then throbbing abandon
the eyes squint in ecstasy
a ratcheting, ratcheting
positive feedback loop of affirmation

a mutual mirror
our mad mouths mimic
the amnesty of our ancestors
with our pre-linguistic worth
exposing the enamel
of our ancient weapons
as a gesture of peace
and happy reconciliation

yes, we say to each other, yes
it's safe to let go
a neuronal door opens
and we walk through it