Afterglow

The tender light and mellow heat from the fire bathe the room in soothing orange tones reflected placidly on your skin. Naked you lie in my arms, one leg draped casually over mine, arm wrapped around my stomach and head resting in its rightful place against my over flowing heart. Your skin is soft, silky and exquisite against mine, its radiance fills me and overwhelms me. Looking down I can see the beauty and perfect loveliness of your face, flushed faintly and so serene.

I can reach down and trace my fingers from the very top of your thigh up to the delectable curve of your breast. Stroke keen finger tips over the evocative and velvety skin of your back drawing loved fuelled patterns. Or pull you close inside my circled arms, flex and squeeze in silent signals to emphasise my love. Then place my palm to your cheek, pouring every ounce of my devotion into one unadorned movement.

The calm, the peace, the hope of these moments, the unity, the elation, the destiny, they engulf me, empower me, entrance me. So many times we’ve lain like this and yet it’s always new, surprising, astonishing, staggering in its utter delight. I’m aware of every deep breath you draw, every tranquil exhale and I breathe with you, beside you, because of you. And I could, would, will lie here forever, with you, basking in the afterglow.