Where This Is Headed

you are simply beautiful.
the kind of beauty
that burns the retinas
stabs the heart
and disorients the mind
leaving the tongue 
to sputter foolishness.

age serves me well
as a filter
allowing me to capture
what is visually appealing
yet guarding the heart
shielding the mind
and cautioning the conversation.

i feel no need to touch you.
your sable softness is a trap
into which i had fallen
multiple times before.
so, if i already know
where this is all headed
i can just smile
and wish you well
as i sidestep disaster.

i mean
if you don't mind
all that much.

i've gazed into eyes
exactly like yours before.
the method you use 
to entrap innocent fellows
like me
is to open up your tender heart
and allow the viewer
to imagine exactly where he'd fit
in a space of gentleness like you're
giving away free.

but it's not free
is it, darlin'?

i've bankrupted myself
on 'free hearts' just like yours.
so, apologies sweet thing
but i really need to make tracks now
'cuz if i don't i'll want just one more look 
then i'll ask your name
and 'afore you know
i'm in some nasty tattoo parlor
getting you inked in whatever's left
of my leather skin.

so, i'm sorry, baby, but i'm goin' now.
but before i do...
what did you say your name is, darlin'?