**THE NEXT TURN** Watch the gold. Watch it turn. Stay until the points return. Your hand lies open close to mine. I want to touch you. We wait for the sign. *Come closer.* *Stay here.* *Again.* Turn toward me. Turn away. Come around the other way. I take the left turn. You take the right. I catch your eye as we pass through the light. Your fingers brush me. The pattern turns. I keep that instant until it returns. *Come closer.* *Stay here.* *Again.* One turn takes you. One brings you near. I count the distance until you’re here. We checked every line. We wanted it wrong. A place we could stop for a little too long. One extra second. Your mouth at my ear. One turn omitted to keep you here. No error. Check again. No error. Again. The Monster needs nothing. The order holds. We meet where it lets us. Your hand unfolds. I know how you’ll touch me. I know when you’ll leave. I still close my eyes. I still let you lead. *Come closer.* *Stay here.* *Again.* If this is written, then so is this: the way you lean into the kiss. Then let it be written. Let this be the part where I pull you against me and feel your heart. I know the next turn will take you away. You know it too. Kiss me anyway. Turn toward me. Turn away. Come around the other way. Watch the gold. Watch it turn. When you get here, take your time. *Come closer.* *Stay here.* Again.
