Itch

Look closer, it sounds

like a tremendous ocean

painted

in shimmering ultramarine

something

surging and continuing

to stretch

in an uproar

heavenly

and brass ringing in

circles

surely you must hear it.

Thrust your hand into mine

and let me help you touch it,

run your fingers through the

buttery

streams of honey

waterfalls

feel them cling to your skin

longing

permit their soapy grips

to embrace you

and don’t release until

the waves come crashing in.

Why don’t you taste it?

The sugary breath that is

sticking

soft to your empty lips

like dandelion fluff

an unmade wish waiting

neglected

potential in a mouthful.

Maybe it’s only the scent

that reaches you, the sea-salt

freshness

lingering in the back of your mind

easy to overlook

through the commotion, intangible,

wavering

Perhaps someday you will

sense that something is burning

aflame

sweet and prickling

with heat

you’ll rush towards the sea,

searching

for an extinguisher before you see,

realising;

water and fire feel the same.