The Protocol of Seduction
Byron Hoot

First, the eyes speak then a whispered
word demanding a leaning into
to hear with a slight laugh amazed
by how full a word or two can be.
A smile of invitation, confirmation
of what the hearts and souls are saying
in that rhythmed language the body
and mind translate to a  grazing touch
electric, the jolt of recognition blushing
the skin, lighting the eyes, with the breath
in sudden intake waiting to exhale a question
whose answer is a lover’s knot
if not just now then in a little while to follow.