MAKING CONTACT

after the beat

and rhythm begin

after the breath

takes root in the body

as stillness

or movement

after trust and touch 

arise as appearances 

and apparitions

after intimacy and play

expand and contract

after sensuality transposes

into timidity, then evasion

after authenticity

gives way to awkwardness

ease to discomfort

connection to decoupling

after the boundaries

are traced and erased

again and again

after all this

belonging extends

its hand to me 

and we dance 

our way into being

into partnership

into love