A Certain Order

The waning ends of storm fronts that wreaked havoc

on other parts of the country, have made their presence 

known here. The river is a bit out of its banks

and the days are cloudy, promising more storms.

But out of the heat and rain, a certain order has appeared,

a blessing. I swam under gray skies tonight,

peppered by a light shower, and was happier than

I had been in weeks.

 Even though I have been unhappy with my 

progress of late, niggling aches and pains 

melted away with the harder work.

I got out of the pool, not even realizing I was

bleeding from an earlier encounter

with another swimmer's hand paddle,

(Just a little flesh wound honey! It's nothing!)

feeling both a bit tired and re-energized.

There's no accounting for the pleasure

just looking at you brings me.

Your broad shoulders and strong hands

speak of the power to protect and

of a thousand tender caresses.

You watch the younger women with

taut, firm bodies and curves,

inviting you to explore their secrets.

I am older, with secrets of my own to give,

shrouded in a body worn by the years,

and pale skin showing the map

to my heart. 

This heart, whose beat is strong and low,

quietly stoking a constant fire

 feeds a secret of its own --

I love you.