Serenade

Lay yourself down to breathe with watery lungs. An astringent soak drowns sweat stains. Seeps through darkened cotton outlines. Inhale to hold it all in; don’t let your skin’s wetness spread. My arid lips meet yours onstage, and

my tongue backstage. Peel off layers to let them air-dry, to save your skin from wrinkling, losing its taut elastic. Tape up those burst blisters with liquid skin. Spritz mint Biotène. Wash it all down with nitrogen and tonic. Watch for the cue