Gauntlet Schmontlet

You threw the gauntlet down with one
impressed smirk
that barely detectable lilt
at the corner of your mouth
the shy glance beneath your
protective brow
that backward look
to make sure I am really
here

I took that gauntlet up and it’s burning a hole in my hand

I thought I wanted my groove back

but I’m holding back
fire
fire
fire that makes me cry