Lipstick-stained coffee cup.

the fake blood left behind after

false kisses, the Judas kiss, pretender's

affectionate embraces. Lips that once

kissed form prayers to broken

stone, broken bones. But His bones

were not broken.

The whole man stands on unscarred legs,

Cannot understand the shame

of broken bones and bloody kisses.

Bleeding lips and burning ships

and bridges cut off all escape.

Stagnant, stationary, stuck,

waiting to wash away walls

with waves of patient love,

why won't you let me in?

Lips of a saint send

holy kisses up to heaven.

Lips of a martyr

consecrate the sacrifice in blood.

Lips covered in blood, kisses

that kill and bring new life.

A bloody napkin, a broken stone,

and all the failures of a worn-out heart.