A Pandora's Box of Contentment
His arms are wiry, taut & strong
His shoulder is walnut, smooth & firm.
A Texas two-step, a satyr-sylph
impervious to pain - he tattoed himself
(peppered skin w/ ink made from berries & bark)
She turned, showed him her black back
leather Gothic cross of rebellion:
matching his pattern in form & intention.
She wants to lay down, let his hands
(deadly weapons made to shatter bands)
let them stroke hers
in any tiny closet he prefers
w/ his roommates snickering next door, &
the rat traps snapping off overhead.
The gentleness of the skid-row gentleman
unhinged her depression
opening a Pandora's Box of contentment
while they toyed w/ Tai Chi & walked
to the Duck Pond & back
- two hearts, velvet black.
1997 SilkCocoon