Sashimi Loveliness Poem by RIC BASTASA

there is still something
raw in that relationship which
takes years to
grow
the tendrils of illusions
soft

it is like
salmon sashimi
sushi
bathed in wasabi cream
green hotness
which i leave softly still inside
my mouth
which my tongue savors
like
a pearl
a treasure of sesame
oil
with rice wine
and ginger

pleasure bathing longer
in the pool
of time

i love that raw peel
cold lemon juice
around my gum
that my teeth have long
readied
to take the
last bite

there is something delicious
in love that is raw
watery softness
hidden tenderness
unspoken
because the mouth is
closed
and full
so privately
uninviting