Strange Friction - Paul Smith

I associate England with you

The light and rolling hills, too

I travel to be with you

We conduct our affairs in theory

A colour supplement;

your sullen fares

You passed a note to pre-empt my taste

There was room for two against the tree

It’s a fencing marks — you should never concede

Strange friction of your body against mine

In a hot hotel room, your breath collided with mine

The roof and the base needn’t be a place

The anchor is finally set

I was troubled today by the comfort you gave

I never wanted a security blanket

A facial flush, your mouth ablaze

Your wide-eyed gaze tests my emotional range

When did I become so eager to please?

It must’ve been when you were scouting at me

Strange friction of your spirit against mine

In a hot hotel room, your breath collided with mine

We walked along the canal until we found a place for less to dangle

You and your miniature bottles;

I normally wouldn’t but I tasted a sample

You told me this was the first time in a long time

And while I’m still happy to help, you can’t be sure of what I am

Strange friction of your spirit against mine

In a New York hotel room, your flesh collided with mine

My breath is conserved

And my brain is still ticking