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

The room
is dark
like midnight
your body
is a dark
shadow
against
the cotton
sheets
they cover
your form
like snow
stirring
you turn
to me
brushing
aside
the linen
inviting
me
inside
your igloo

It’s November
and cold
back home
in Charlotte
trees
have blushed
by Summer’s
escapades
here
in Honolulu
the trees
have nothing
to be embarrassed
about
it’s still green
and lush
like velvet
curtains
flowers
still bloom
as giddy
as school
girls

Daybreak
starts
with obliteration
of night
a crushing
of dark
skies
which drips
into morning
like straining
orange juice
from its
fruit
the sun
brings light
long before
it crests
the horizon
like flashlights
in dark
forests
at last
the ball
of light
rises
and brings
with it
squints
and heat
and
tan lines

I awoke
to find
the east
light slowly
rising
like biscuits
in the oven
a bank
of clouds
floats
above
your
head
as I quietly
watch
you sleep
brushing
hair from your
eyes
I watch
as your
lids
flutter
by teasing
dreams
your stomach
rises
and falls
with every
breath

watching
you sleep
is what
I
imagine
angels
see
every
night