The Gentlest Gentleman

The Gentlest Gentleman*

When I lift your hand to meet my lips

It’s a reflex to your smile

We stroll outside with our arms linked

You might feel my heart’s hospitality

Welcome home

No need for a knight in shining armor

Descendin’ from a high horse

Please have me, a boi with a dirty apron

Preparin’ your favorite side of comfort

When I ask permission to touch your face

It’s a desire to know you whole

We let our fingers saunter, sway in our breath

I might feel your spirit’s revival

Testify, amen

Leave behind the poor ol’ damsel

Her distress as stale as her rescue

Pick me, far afield, the shape of a dandy-lion

Spoilin’ this dry tale with a loud, lurid roar

Here are pretty words for the prettiest girl

When plain words just won’t do:

I want to be your gentlest gentleman

With my first rule of tenderness

There is no show, no passed time

Because of a secret, you should know

‘Course, I’m polite as I was raised

Respect curdles in my blood

But I’ve been hurt—heartbrok’n hard

And I just want a little kindness

So that with this gamble, I’ll deal the right card

*This title is from My Brightest Diamond’s song of the same name, on the album, A Thousand Shark’s Teeth. 

This poem is dedicated to a very special woman in my life--Alicia Virani.