By Tom McKelvey
Date: 26 January 1999

In her bed

I feel her warmth against me
as my body slowly awakens
The sun peeks in through shades
spilling cinnamon leaves on her hair
The smell and taste in my mouth
the warm burnt flavor of Autumn
from the stray strands on my lips
which I do not remove
They are her essence
which I love
She lays on her side
her back towards me
the gentle curve of her hip
just visible beneath the sheet
My arm drapes across her slender waist
like a fern caressing a tree
My fingers rest lightly on her abdomen
rising slightly with each breath
She stirs and pulls the blanket up
closer to her chest
moaning softly
in pleasure and regret
at the nearing of consciousness
Does she know
I watch her sleep
when we're here
in her bed?
Would she understand
how it makes me feel
watching her dream?
I feel the tensions
of her muscles
ripple
from her toes to her shoulders
Each one waking in sequence
the sound and rhythm
of her breath changes
as she realizes
I am here with her
She turns and looks at me
her eyes are bright and clear
A tranquil smile forms
on her lips
Soft murmurs rise
from her throat
I massage her shoulders
and touch her face
She shares her dreams
I tell her mine
But, better than any dream
is being here
watching her sleep

-Tom McKelvey-