An ekphrastic address to Halie Torris’ ‘Girls in Purple.’

Does water drown the space between palm and skin?
Does a caress thicken the steam hugging their embrace?

Shameless, soulful will
merging love with oxygen
replace the air with gentle lust.

To breathe is to absorb sensations
dancing upon surfaces
often hidden, saved.

Does a single storm of sensation curb the craving for connection?
Does placing palms to soaked skin calm a racing heart?

– Taryn Deppe

Author’s Note: I credit the inspiration for this poem to painter Halie Torris.