A Friendly Affair

 

Dinner chat was lively

                With mutual friends,

                The food satisfying

                And the wine mellowing.

 

We throw side-ways comments

                And smile knowing

                Underneath laughing words

                Hide playful meanings.

 

Our legs brush gently

                Under the table

                As we adjust in our chairs.

                I notice that you don't.

 

The air brisk as we walk

                To the theatre.

                Your hands stuffed into pockets.

                Mine dangling, wanting warmth.

 

Mutual attraction

                Was strong when we met.

                In a few months we knew

                Much of each other's lives.

 

We can tease and laugh,

                Run, play, or sit quietly,

                Discuss world events

                Or watch Johnny Carson.

 

Early this dawn I watched

                Your silhouette dressing

                By the moon's light

                And slip quietly home.

 

The empty space you left

                Saddened me because

                I had forgotten

                You had been beside me

And had made love to me earlier.

 

 

B. Benjamin                                                                                         

BBP113