20th Century Romances

Making Tracks

The cigarette man
Gets soot on his hands
As they tremble toward his lips
He tried to explain
Then he got on a train
And he left on a one-way trip
The girl by the tracks
Watched him turn his back
Pining for one last kiss

Saturday Night Speakeasy

Bar, busy and warmly lit
Bustle backed by smooth jazz
Eyes flashing through smoke
Glasses filled time and again
Smiles, honest laughter
A soft touch, a nod

Hotel bed soft and deep
Pinstripes and hats on the floor
Gasping smooth lips
Flushed faces, pounding hearts

Night a spinning blur
Asleep in gentle arms
Then dark

Morning cold
Pale skin and blemishes
Unceremonious dressing
A smile, thanks, and a nod
Door closed, keys returned

An empty room
Satisfied men strolling separately home

Domestic

He punched her in the face with a closed fist
As she smashed swiftly to the floor
His brand dripping down her lip
She remembered soft touches and sunlight
Sunday afternoons and sweet nothings
They both knew she deserved it
Only men can take another lover
It said so in the bible

Back Door Man

He was a back door man
A smooth talker
A heavy box lifter
A jar opener
A kitchen invader
A fried chicken eater
A countertop lover

Until her husband came home unexpectedly

Then he was a fist catcher
A bruise holder
A floor stainer
A dirt grave filler
And a missing person

A homemaker's mixed memory
Of pleasure, guilt, and fear

Heroes

Heavy labor, sparks, sweat, and blood
She gave everything and more - still raising their kids
He gave everything he had in that far away land
Screaming, choking, blood, raining earth
And came home damaged forevermore
They did the best they could
Love, fear, and poverty - still raising their kids
Many years mixed with happiness and struggle
After everything they held each other tight
And went on to meet their reward

Under the Apple Tree

They smiled, hearts racing
They tenderly touched
They slowly explored
They trembled and giggled and frowned

They touched and caressed
They searched and they fumbled
They awkwardly rubbed
They found their way around

They quickly undressed
And they spread out their clothing
And made love on the warm, sunny ground

End.