Arches

You examine my horizontal framework
as an architect, inspecting arches
in my building of bones.

Your hands gauge the volume of space
hidden within the foot foundation. You scan
the inclination of shin, the curve of calves.
Your palms press the bows of knees to survey
the stability of ivory archways.

Fingers inch upward to measure the circumference
of thigh, apply pressure to the bend of hip, assess
the resulting arch of back. Your hands appraise
the cushioned camber, estimate the curve of torso.

You palm breast-domes, analyze with fingertips
the area of each twin cupola, calculate
the sine-curved distance between breastbone and
neckcircle, and curvature of jaw.

One hand holds the cheekbone convex
as your other fingers touch protrusion of lip,
explore the vault of mouth with curving bone roof.
And when you withdraw your dampened fingers,
you reach only for your notebook
to record your observations.