Tootsie Collins

i play jazz records

when i want to touch

your dark skin to make you think

i’m cultured—

i want you to think

of a highball glass of brandy

when you say my name,

when i wrap you up

in my velvet jacket.

when i open up a bottle

of Merlot i want you to think

it is my breath.

i want my breath to reek

of pipe tobacco

so you and i can fall asleep

breathing each other’s breath.