Force a Smile

Force a Smile.

I turn to her during the afterglow,
And murmur words of false accord,
Forced agreement and confirmation,
Of what she had always endorsed.

I desire, but do not admire,
Smoke and try to ignore her,
Her words so naïve and crass,
And full of ideals only half believed.

The sweat still present on her brow,
The red flush still upon her flesh,
She talks in words half hinting,
At motives hidden beneath their surface.

Within herself she strives for love,
To be loved and know its embrace,
To know his smell and comforting voice,
And to feel his fingers upon her face.

She turns to me during the aftermath,
Seeking warmth in familiar arms,
I hold her, there in the darkness,
Hoping that tonight she can be calm.