and yet he had found a way
to make love to her endlessly
thanks be to the gods
for his soldiering through
and adept skill at removing corsets
how playfully fast she could run in heels
their ability to disregard books fallen
to the floor
we had melted winters frost
and eaten too soon the berry pies of spring
knowing to fear the ides of march
instead learning the fine art of rationalization
loved in unlovable cafes
drinking buttery wines
as perched owls winked
watching
me reach past the hummus
and burning red candles
to touch your strong hands
just to feel you there
to see if you were imagined
you not knowing the weight of the gesture