Dating Apps

By Jess Clark

Copyright ©2025

Migrating

into the fast lane of dating apps

where men tell me that they wanna give me slaps.

I’m awaiting traps,

find it tricky to trust,

know the heartbreak that comes in the aftermath of lust.

We’re creating maps, new reference frames,

Pushing boundaries, playing games,

Liberated by pseudonyms from the bondage of real names

Into the arena of snap-judgements, right-swiping,

Feeling wanted, anticipating your typing.

I’d get back to work but your photos look so inviting;

Can’t see you right now so let me put it in writing:

I’ll be cute for you – morph and melt and reform

Into an angel-whore whose purpose is keeping you warm.

I’ll take all of your scorn, all your derision

while you rough me up and push me into different positions;

get on my knees for you til they’re bruised from meeting the ground

and I’m petite so that means that you can throw me around,

‘Cause I’m so tightly wound, ready to snap like a spring

And I like letting you know that for you I’ll be anything,

Let you be king,

Know that my service is sweet

Worship your body from its crown to the tips of your feet.

Empty spaces and longing filled up to complete

Countdown the time ‘til we meet, wait to make fantasies true

Language can’t elucidate all the things that we’ll do.

We can switch it up, don’t touch me still I say go,

‘cause I’m setting the pace now and we’re starting off slow.

My fingertips on your face now, feel your energy bubble and grow:

parts of you I’m getting to know

and draw out from where they usually hide,

and unless you get into line. you won’t be satisfied.

Until then I’ll give you a show

the way I’m tempting you making you glow,

I like seeing you squirm while restrained.

And the whining that you’re making sounds so delicious when pained.

My orders explained, and tell me: have you understood?

Cause I’m gonna make you sweat, before I let you feel good.

As we migrate to a space

where mundane bounds are erased

where the taste’s hot and heavy,

our words interlaced.

Like a thing to be chased

that you paw to pin down,

I am fluid like water

so watch you don’t drown…

Watch you don’t float

too high on my body of air

cause you’ll move your hands through it, there’ll be no-one there.

Are you scared, ensnared

on that thin line between play and danger?

I’m addicted too, to the promise of strangers.

Even as everything changes,

I still wrap my body to yours,

craving each phrase, and the sketch that it draws.

About Jess Clark:

Jess Clark is a poet and writer based in North London. She has studied literature, languages and teaching creative writing at Durham and Cambridge universities and is passionate about using words to shine light and hope through complex landscapes. Jess’s writing is informed by her professional experiences working in community mental health support and commitment to social justice. She also takes inspiration from the natural world, spirituality and all forms of connection. She has been published in magazines including Huck, Shado and Heroica, is the author of two poetry collections, and has been performing spoken word for five years. Jess is currently exploring writing rap music and experimenting with the intersection between verse narratives, rhythm and live performance.