The summer was so hot
the dogs stuck to the sidewalks
with the newspapers
and the black metal cans
everyone left waiting on the curb.
You could smell it
in the glass pitchers
on table tops,
and the sheets that never
dried on the clothes lines;
the canvas beach bags
mothers dragged wearily
across the sand
and the ice cream trucks
melting across the highways.
Children felt it open
up the windows at night
and find a corner
of the bed to smother,
while fathers baited it on hooks
or mowed it down
in flat, dry stripes
as if begging each other
to escape.
And the crickets just hummed
beneath the corn silk
and the dry mouth
After the thrill of the hunt
you are still here -
churning me up inside,
making me into something
like a river
or a catastrophe.
I can almost see you
standing there on the porch
in the half-light
of naked wood and nails,
smoking your cigarette -
dressed up like a riddle.
What did you call me again?
Something that rhymed
with Brian or David
that you could only pronounce
with your mouth full.
I let you wear your boots
to bed.
I let you lie
about your age
and your husband,
and the fact that the library
wanted you for murder.
But you just moved
through my room
wearing my shirt and sweater
like you knew
someone was missing -
like the socks and s
Lifted you in my arms,
Softly placing you on bed...
Something in your eyes said that I am your desire,
As I gazed, they teased and taunted me...
Making my thoughts go wild,
as I place my hand on your cheek...
A soft voice coming from your lips,
and to make you mine became my choice...
Our garments soon hit the floor,
The taste of your lips,
moving my very core...
Your pleasant scent
adding to the allure,
as I move my hand all over you...
Your flexible body,
your skin so smooth.
You are the curve,
To all my ailments.
I kiss your lips, then your neck,
your breasts and stomach,
further down still
Between your hips...
Letti