contagion  

I meant to be sweet, and light,  
and pretty, because
I knew you'd been  
under the weather.  
 
I meant to place your  
head on my chest and  
pet your hair,  
and and check  
your temperature by pressing my  
cheek to your forehead,  
maybe murmur  
some sweet nothings in your ear  
and keep watch while you slept.  
 
But instead,  
I gave you a  
handjob  
in the bathtub.  
 
You got better,  
and  
 
I got worse.