There was a pile of dirty towels

At the bottom of the stairs,

That I had to step over

Find you in the dim lit basement

Sleeping on a dirty couch

Heavy in despair

I lay down on top of you

Wind my fingers through your

Auburn hair,

Oily from neglect,

Trace your damp skin

Your crepe thin eyelids

Skim your tender lips

With feathery fingertips

While you pretend I’m not here.

I press my heart into yours,

Cautious arousal,

Mutual affinity,  

That shouldn’t be

Indignant cruelty

From indulgent deities

That for eternity

Bound your soul to mine