I. Skin

a low whisper, a voice that tickles,
soft breath caressing her ear;
rich velvet. vibrations trail down her side.
guttural murmurs shudder
and rattle around her ribs.

she can feel the beat of
his heart, now against hers;
a steady rhythm, they beat as one.

long limbs encased in gold
tangle, entwine.
her rosebud lips pressed to his throat
where a pulse flutters

erratic


skin against skin



II. Fire

dark hair, dark eyes both
(absinthe and chocolate)
smouldering windows to the soul

you contemplate my navel
over the curve of a thigh
an odd angle

tender caresses
kisses on bare skin
shivers under your fingers

a cry at dusk
muffled by your lips
seeking mine



III. Sleep

weary, I lay my head against your chest,
your heartbeat beneath my cheek; I rest.
the rise and fall of respiration
lulls me while your exhalations
stir and filter through my hair.
the rage, the worry and despair
fade with the light and begin to drift
from my mind. you slowly lift
your hand to stroke my head,
whisper “sleep”; my eyelids are like lead.
pressed together, we hold each other tight.
in sleep’s arms – and yours – I can’t fear the night.