blue wintry dawn

4 am, I lie awake this morning
unintentionally disregard your supportive
plea over the phone, that I sleep
through the night
concerns bumping and jostling in my head
like overhead clouds on a gray blustery day
a man I used to know so well
their father, emotionally neglecting our sons
faltering, yet somehow assuredly
they turn back to mom
as if I were a tree, branches that flourish
thick and protective
as the woods from cold rains
pre-approved mortgages
shopping for a new home
no, not a woman soon to be in debt again
but as you say, a woman of means
starting over, self sufficient
a man of dreams, a love so fulfilling
though too far away right now
to feel the back stroke of my fingers
across your cheek
I lie awake this blue wintry dawn
still, and wonder
what birds sing in your head this morning
flutter to be freed

---

cheaper by the litre

almost an hour into the trip
our winter get-away into the mountains
cedar chalet waiting for us
a timely cancellation occurring on our behalf
we dash into the store for groceries
head for the sodas

earthen-friendly one that you are
this time you question me
why is it that I prefer cans, all that
excess packaging
to a two litre bottle instead

oblivious at first to my own cheerful animations
I begin to show you
a succulent groan
grasp for my throat
seductive explanation
why there is nothing better
than the thirst quenching chill of an icy cola
bubbling from the can
biting down my throat

suddenly you get that gleam in your eyes
apple-green mischief, with a hint of cinnamon
as if I've just pressed in to you
the way we kiss
leaned in for a tender one
left you with another hard-on
and we both begin to laugh

the aisle is our own, nearly
the whole store
as you hold me close
our laughter subsiding
and tell me again
how much I live poetry
how much you enjoy reading me