Afternoon Delight

Reading, writing, gazing, wining.
This drink, cold,
this breeze, warm,
hugs me
in the low cintronella candlelight.
Oh, Louisiana!

With Emily

I crawl into bed every night
with Emily—
her skin, soft, her thoughts, the same.

I dream of life, of dreams
every night.
She dreams of nothing.

I used to make plans for life
with Emily—
she laughs and smiles in her sleep.

I crawl into bed every night
with Emily—
I smile and dream of nothing.