Slipstream

The moon rises to its midnight spot

like luminescent hands on a clock.

The last bang of the wooden auction gavel

echoes, fades, and signals the day’s dismantle.

Scraping seats and jingling keys

give me permission to leave.

 

The high heels that went on tight

now rub raw with meaty spite.

The shiny black car skims the curb

and glides and stops, motor unheard.

The rain-splattered door opens here

and drops flick on my shoulder bare.

 

I wipe them like a shameful tear.

 

A cycling duo pairs a leader, wind aligned

With the partner crouching head down, safely behind.

 

Sinking deep in the leather seat,

I smell his soap, spicy and sweet.

I kick off my heels, furry floor mat on my bare soul,

And sigh as my feet release the tension of the whole.

My face, tight and fake with forced gaiety,

morphs to sleepy lids, closed with piety.

 

Full with the hope this brief moment contains,

I enjoy the warmth of wine in my veins.

I glance sideways at him, bonding togetherness

and glimpse his dimple teasing me with tenderness.

My heart stokes fire with a heady swell

My calm quells the defiant rebel,

 

Believer transformed from infidel.

 

Someone else is leading, blocking the susceptibility,

Keeping me safe while I lay down the responsibility.

 

Sign the refinance.

Ward off harsh attacks.

Demo the errant wall.

Rewire the dank hall.

Cook one grand dinner.

Be the breadwinner.

 

Power wash the house.

Iron the work blouse.

Hire the contractor.

Fire the contractor.

Call the hospice vet

For your beloved pet.

 

Drive home sans duet.

 

Reduced resistance and less effort convene

behind the frontman to form the calm slipstream.

 

My guard, permanently tall,

With a stone and solid wall,

Never relax into irresponsibility,

I am hiding soft, vulnerable fragility,

Wary that another showed

He could elevate my load.

 

Stealthily, he’s got me.

Released the need to flee.

White knuckles slowly blush.

Blood flow restores flush.

I breathe into the simplicity

And relax in the tranquility.

 

Enjoy the peaceful proximity.

 

With fairness, cycles alternately pull and swap the lead.

Both riders cover the same distance, less effort, more speed.

 

I hear “Ma’am?”, voice thick with astound.

My head swivels to look toward the sound.

The valet extends my car keys, tinkling in space,

Confused why I recline in the passenger’s place

Again, I clutch the solitary ring of brass.

Reluctant to deadlift that which has kicked my ass.

 

Figment dissipates. Life resumes. Blanched knuckles grasp.