Two Women

Their intimacy is gloved,
moments dovetail
in a tea-room.
I color-in implied gestures,
listen to the ambience
of undertones.

They enter a confessional space
lips linger over shared visions,
oracles only they can read.

Lipstick on China cups,
the twirled edge of a napkin,
the unclasped mouth of a purse;
pieces arranged on a white tablecloth
of magnetic intimations.

They are both attractive
yet in different ways,
together they impart
a comforting confidentiality;
bring to this small space
a delicate allurement.

I sense a wry tilt into humor,
a deeper conversation surfaces
as they settle the bill.

Leaving the warmth of the tea house
they kiss
but only lightly upon cheeks,
no flamboyance,
yet the inferred diffidence
is far more telling.

One of them seems to carry
the other's onus of care
sheltering her body from the cold.

I have a brief impulse to follow,
to stay awhile
in their mutual life raft.

These observations I record here,
are moments
to be contemplated only later
with closed eyes.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Seeker Avatar
November 20, 2022 at 8:18 PM
The scene enacted beautifully recreated right down to each nuance. A delightful read, Eric! I particularly liked the expressions ‘mutual life raft’ and ‘One of them seems to carry the other's onus of care’
Ashford Avatar
November 21, 2022 at 7:40 AM
Thank you Unseeking Seeker, I have edited this recently and will edit the post. Trying to take my voice out of it a little. Best EA.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace