How Do I Love Thee

I love the tawny chestnut of your skin,
Its musky smell and
Its salty taste.

I love the coarseness of your hair,
How it so willingly yields
To my exploring fingers.

I love the strong curve of your throat,
How the nerve makes you twitch
And chuckle at my touch.

I love the unknown shade of your  dark eyes,
And the emotion in them
When they look at me.

I love the tender lips, and yours are so full,
Who deliver force or gentle torture.
I love them so.

I love the smoothness of your muscled arms,
Which encircle me with security
And shelter me from life’s hard lessons.

I love the strength in your large, workman’s hands,
The fingers long and blunt
Slithering up my back or through my hair.

I love the broadness of your powerful shoulders,
How they relax at my touch
And heave between kisses.

I love the firm flesh of your chest, especially
        When I am crushed against it
Warmth telling of your love.

I love the way you make me smile,
The way each kiss is made for me.
The way you hold me tight
Till breathless with love I be.