kissing in Iowa

a kiss

on the cheek is nearly

meaningless,

whereas a handshake

will do.

it feels

odd to have lips

touch your

face

from an aunt

or friend,

man or woman

with no romance attached.

the brush

of a kiss onto one

cheek and then

the other seems

to be a European

thing,

perhaps France,

or England,

but it doesn't play well

here in Iowa.