a brief affair

Out of politeness, leg
Removed from leg we pulled
Apart desiring separation
In the after glow.


An affair just begun
Is like a morning
After a night of rain, the
Sun looking through gaps in the
Strange ceremony of cloud,
Serene, reassuring and secretive.


It was not yet love,
Just lovemaking.
A curious investigation
Of a stranger, hardly known,
Of unspecified views, who
Has not yet freely spoken.


The routine had long ago been fixed,
Inconsequential phrases over coffee,
Denying breakfast, smiles
Without intent. Holding hands
At the door, a kiss,
And then the regretful goodbye.
A voice remembered as a sigh
A movement as pleasure,
No other memory but the callow scent
Of brief uncertain intimacy.