My requirements on a rider
Are not very complex
A molasses shisha
Mint tea and a meditation carpet
And three sachets
Holding the very essence of you

Come be close to me
Others will glance
Envy their vice
They know im entranced
Sit next to me and see
All eyes upon us
Wondering how we are famous
Somewhere else
“Such beauty” they’ll say under their breath
Your bare shoulders
Ciao bella, que bonita
Graceful, uncommon
And precisely as expected
As i braid your hair sitting behind
In a clawfoot cast iron bath
Porcelain as white as your feet
Perched at the end
Languid arms, pouty red lips
We are dancers, visions, lovers
Its so obvious, even the Italians agree
Whisper in your ear
As you lean in towards
My mouth, my dear
I kiss your arching neck
Write sonnets for you
Discover constellations
To name for you
Craft a jazz ballad
A wine well-vinted
A Pinot Noir as we are lovers
At night
And in the light
But in the dark stateroom
Ship swaying
An illegal candle bright
Reflects your eyes
So deep, so blue
Translucent as you show entire soul
Except for the secrets you hide
I’ll discover in time
Whenever you are ready
Decadence well-requited
Candle behind the wine glass
Exotic bottles behind the sad barman
He wants to trade lives with
The singer from Napoli
He’s a cliche but brings
Down the house
Kissing hands of ladies
Long since affectioned
A ruse indeed to garner
Fast-tracked seduction from
The supple and impressionable
Who seek swarthy despite the height
We’re a black and white movie
You in pearls
Me in a grey plaid suit