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Michelle’s Navel

Sterling Warner

“There is a charm about the forbidden
that makes it unspeakably desirable.”
—Mark Twain

Michelle entered my office
like she did every week—
an essay in one hand & cup
of coffee in the other, looking
at me like some kind of Buddha.

Placing the Joe on my desk
like an offering on a sacred altar, she
let her Sylvia Plath term paper drop
to the floor, lifted up her white blouse
(higher than necessary), said “Check it out!”

I’d seen many belly rings—even as a boy—
but Michelle’s red ruby heels hanging on a chain
caught me by surprise; through the partially
open doorway, I felt a half-dozen student
eyes inspecting—critiquing—their prof’s reaction.

“You can touch it, if you like!”
she innocently purred & gracefully smiled;
ah, but I froze...mesmerized—lost—in her hazel eyes
perplexed by trust & immodest desire to exhibit
the piercing...elegance her parents forbade.

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