Jon Nakapalau

Cartography of Lost Desire

I have tried to forget
the contours of your body.

the places where sweat would pool salty,
dewing on soft cinnamon arch -

points that were landmarks
of shared pleasure,

kisses like ports of call.
it is this tactile map

that haunts my nights
years of distance, that have been

ashen and erosive -
folded into memory

that longs only for
your compass touch.