dusk fell upon us softly
   between kisses
that probed and went
across the borders
into the other´s land
   to find it strange
yet pleasant
and a little frightening

the whistle for retreat
   was blown
and we went out for dinner
but soon grew restive
to resume the wanderings
on each other´s turf

your girlish coyness
made me hesitate
lest a wrong move
turn me into a frog that
   thrown against the wall
   would not change
      into a prince

I hid within my robe

your loving body
hard up against mine
   felt beautiful
your kisses and caresses
   roused my blood

your loving trust
   shaken, at times,
   by my exploring touch
made me feel very young
and very old at once
   it was not easy
   to maintain control

we walked the tightrope
   through the night
your innocence protected you as well
   as my experience and respect
for your determination
   not to lose yourself

   and not to join me
   at that time

our entanglement
between desire and restraint
was long and yet too short
dawn found us puzzled
   words were scarce

the parting kisses
   sweet and sad
left memories

unrefreshed

to this very day

     * *