EARLY AND DARK, what she said

 

EARLY AND DARK,

what she said, part

of the after-walking

before sunrise

with the walking stick

and the coffee ready,

votive candle lit

new running shoes

reflecting car lights

and the mind

also tuned to reflect

the beloved,

her clarity

a moonlit

messenger—

in bed, talking,

I say to her,

This is foreplay,

and turning back

she says, no, no,

This is a back rub.

Jim Bodeen

7 December 2023