In the world endarkened
by space between strobe,
the words that slip like
tongues to ears
through drumbeats are
only those
that need pried the spaces for:
whatever smooth touch
of voice she feels
the freshly shaven face
deserves but otherwise
surely mustn’t find.
And only when he
practices
in hotel mirror
compliments he thought
she must’ve so
desired in return,
does he finally hear them
for himself.