On the Cheek

When you kiss 
my cheek,
I feel more heat 
than if you kissed
my lips.

There is no engulfing,
no hot slice of tongue,
no tug toward the bed.

Instead, your cheek 
grows firm with a smile,
your breath 
tickles my skin.

When your lips linger
on my stubbled cheek,
I feel perfectly 
your softness 
behind them.

Scott Speck
07/28/2001