Twinkling stars
are the only things glistening
when he presses against the Sultan,
feeling his skin buzz in a desire that wouldn't last
The moon casts the palest glow on the desert tonight
as Ai presses closer,
pretending despite every thought of old
that he could be the Sultan's wife,
not for fame or glory
or even for wealth
He just wants the love that's open up here,
and steps further into soft fabric
and a steady embrace
His heartbeat dances
and nothing means more for this impoverished man
than another kiss for now.