I forget to breathe

I forget to breathe

Each time I come

This close,

This pain that is

Not a pain

But steals everything

Out of my head

Which I do not miss

Except for the breath

I need to breathe

If only later in relief

When all I have is that

This whisper of memory

This lingering scent

This soft touch

Against my palm,

My mouth, my thighs,

I forget to breathe

When I need it most

And yet

I hardly miss it.