Words are not always compliant
but the man at my feet is doing his best,
his obedience fueling a reckless urge in my chest.
Sometimes I can only breathe
not sure what scent is mixed in with his sweat
what line delineates the flicker in the back of his eyes
right before he drops his gaze to the floor.

But I pick it up,
hand under his chin and thumb on his lips
bring his eyes up up once again to meet mine
they flicker again to slide sideways and away

No- I want to see you,
shhhh- and not to hear you.

I keep him silent but lean close to look and smell him
This is the part I like best
after the punishment,
while he is bound
whether it is only by a rope,
or if it is strictly by my wishes
because we both know
that my wishes are stronger
or worse -that they can be lifted
and disappear in an instant.

But for the time being
he kneels within the circle of my scrutiny
I have no idea what I will do next
only that it will be something
and it will be mine.
Lucky boy