Nude

​There is another world.
This is what she thinks about,
leaning against the window frame
as the phosphor smoke coils
through still air, amber
in the early sun.  When she sighs
it seems she exhales light.
Because the room is cool with morning,
her nipples need no coaxing,
his rough hands merely circle them
in rouge.  Beside her, he places
a goblet of wine red as the church window
which frames the background.
She caresses the pearls at her throat.
He doesn’t speak, only motions
with his hands, a gesture that begins
like prayer, spreads, as if he means
to embrace her.  Her pale thighs open,
silver light flashes, dumbfounds her
for an instant.  She imagines herself
years from this place, staring
into water so bright she grows blind.
The last thing she’ll see
will be her reflection expanding
on the rippling surface.  Nothing
will ever touch  her but the sun.