Without a Sound

Finish our drinks at the corner bar
a short walk, your place is not far
the co-op that the two of you bought
back when you both doggedly thought
your love would last forever and a day
but it certainly did not turn out that way,

We knew each other from previous times
perhaps imprisoned for similar crimes
I told you then if it didn’t work out
give me a call, and you did, no doubt
now two bar glasses are dry
as we watch that time slowly drift by,

I stand and help you put on your coat
I put on mine and off we float
out the door and down the street
up the stairs on weightless feet
you dial the door code with three fingers
and something in the air lingers,

Perhaps your perfume that I remember
the first time we met, a cold December
an office meeting years before
long presentation, but I wanted more
that project died, and you drifted away
I promised to see you again someday,

That someday is now, we go inside
in short order have nothing to hide
kiss each other and tug at our clothes
soon are naked in love’s repose
half on the couch and half on the floor
halfway there but eager for more,

Later we make it all the way to the bed
the ceiling is blue the walls are red
stuffed animals are scattered around
street below makes a midnight sound
we talk awhile, then drift off to sleep
both with promises perchance to keep,

The next morning, as next mornings are
everything close, and everything far
coffee black? or with sugar and cream?
what were you saying, what did you mean?
a thin nightgown tied loosely around
which drops to the floor without a sound …