Fallout (Crank 3)

presence, even as she sleeps.

About the time I get ready to

add my own presence to the bed

too long emptied of it, I realize

this could go wrong. But I am

determined to make it right.

Her right arm lies atop the thick

quilt, exposed. I kiss her fingertips

gently. Move my lips along her

cool skin to the crook of her elbow.

She sighs, opens her eyes.

She could jump up. Scream.

Run from me. Instead she says,

I was dreaming you had come.

I ease onto the bed beside her.

Kiss her. Easy. No demands.

Kiss her mouth. Her forehead.

Her eyes. Down her nose. Back

to her mouth, which she opens,

inviting me inside. “I’m sorry,”

I whisper, before accepting

her invitation. Diving in, as

into a warm spring. And before

we go any further, she says,

I forgive you. This time. But

this is the last time, I swear.

“I know.” The love we make

is remembered. And it is all new.

And there is no one else in the world.

WE DOZE FOR A WHILE