Yet Again

Your presence brings on

these consistent palpitations

that have my heart rate elevated,

like reverse fireworks in my chest—

tiny implosions,

still with detonation and all the burn and heat.

They leave me smoke-asphyxiated.

I'm disoriented,

but still aware enough

to know what I'm up against.

I can attempt to say no,

but it will always come out yes,

so I concede with weak knees.

How am I supposed to navigate

my common sense

when I've lost my head?

And how could I ever stand my ground

when I can't feel my legs?

Take it lying down, as they say—

both metaphorically

and literally.