She woke up this morning
in her cigarette ashes
and found last night’s late pleasure
still stretched out on her bed—

How remarkable that
a single blue-eyed boy
could take just one look
of hers and have her
in his chains the next.
Willingly, of course,
but does it really make
a difference with the heart?

The heart which
tore out of her open chest,
latched firmly to his
and made a scene painted
with love in her
one-room apartment.

Her fingertips reached out
for his bare back—
warm to the touch,
and full of promises.