Afterward

his body
is against mine
one behind
the other
like bookends
absent of books
breathing
has slowed
after our long
run exhausted
arms
encircling torso
hands clutching
hands
in the afternoon
sun
we are bathed
in light
drying us
like baby seals
my hand
trails down
his stomach
to the damp
moist nest
we drowse
in separate dreams
not dreaming
of each other

now

in the shower
we stand
close
a small canyon
forming
between us
where the water
cascades
and tumbles
across
the boulders
of our bodies.

He moves
like a cat
stretching
and yawning
on the sofa
next to
me
his black hair
bleeds
cherry
and auburn
ringlets
fall
in front
of his eyes
like vines
cascading
down his cheekbones
even to his lips
which are
succulent
like plump
ripened tomatoes

He arrived
at night
flying
from Charlotte
to Honolulu
When I
saw him
we fell
together
like trees
in a forest
leaning
against
each other
his arms
encircled
me
pulling me
closer
as though
he was drawing
out my breath
in each others
arms
I found
solace
and peace

We ended
up in bed
lying side
by side
as though
we were children
camping
in our backyard
hands cautiously
touched
backs and flanks
buttocks and chests
kisses
lighted
like butterflies
on lips
and eyelids
moving
toward each
other
we pressed
together
like dog eared
pages
comfortable
being together
like a letter
in an envelope

We gave each
other up to
the other
taking
and taking
the body
the soul
the love