TUESDAY MORNING IN THE PARK (For Mary)

It's getting worse in such a delicious way,
sitting across from you at the picnic table
in the woods, shaded creek murmuring nearby,
the dog runs free as we talk and
I've already fallen deep into your eyes,
I barely hear what you're saying as you
thrust your face forward, so close to mine,
and it's all I can do not to reach out and
hold it with fierce gentleness,
and in soft hunger press my lips
to your smiling sensual mouth,
heart pounding, I wonder how you would react,
but then the dog distracts your gaze
and I can breathe again and
I loosen my clenched grip on the bench seat,
later finding
wood splinters
under my fingernails.

(September 5th, 1995, Franklin Creek Park)

September 5, 1995