I watched you undress,
watched you peel off your identity
one layer at a time.
I watched in awe--
tried to keep my eyes on yours
but, your white-fire gaze
burnt my brown eyes raw.
I watched you shed your identity
one thin layer at a time.
I saw a liar:
your shirt was on the floor.
I saw a cheater:
your socks and shoes were gone.
I saw a hypocrite
as you reached for
the buckle of your belt,
and your jeans slid
down to your feet.
I saw a child,
and you were naked--
I could see through to your core.
And you said it was my turn,
my turn to shed my clothes.
I turned from you
and for the first time,
I said
No.