Palestrina Pietà

Your torso is the center:
a sort of dappled landscape,
ridged muscle shaping light.
I want to touch you 

with my mouth, place my palm
upon the surface of your strength.
Trace each silent line with fingertips
astonished not to find you flesh.  

I have never seen a man like this,
given, willing, all openness, surrender
your widening state. Such defenseless
beauty found in you