2
Together and Apart
Their feet entwine – cold toes seek warmth,
bodies touching at knees, hips, shoulders,
his calloused hand tenderly cups her breast,
the mythic shape, treasures the familiar prize.
Her hand caresses the silkiness of inner thigh,
his skin that all those years have not made rough,
her fingers slide across his old scarred
stomach, witness to those repairs, removals.
They sleep and turn and turn, always in touch,
his snores and nightmares bring a drowsy nudge
to send him spinning into deeper sleep.
Her thoughts twist with her turning, skitter toward
and away from tomorrows, presence, absence.
She settles closely, wrapping him in her embrace.
Lari Smith