She kept a list of her lovers
in her desk drawer
the one that locked.
The one that held
all of her secrets.

The list totaled seventeen.
Not bad she rationalised.
For a forty year old woman
divorced.

she had watched tv dramas
women in her position
had barhopped to fifty lovers
in a year.
but not her.

They ranged from
lovers she needed
lovers she wanted
to lovers who
could not pass from
one night to the other.

But the new neighbor
was different.
he had a daughter
twelve or so.

She had dropped a bag
of groceries the
eggs splatterered
he held her close
saying shushhh honey
its ok.
kissing her hair
Keeping her safe
and comforted.

Her ex never did that.
An hour later he appeared
with two more
bags of grocery.
She felt him watching
her slip into her pool.
She felt his eyes on her.

He appeared with
a bottle of wine.
Can I join you he asked?
As he took his clothes off
and sat in the pool.
Only if you dont take this
the wrong way she smiled.

He slipped naked
in the blue water.
He looked fit and tanned.
As she slipped out of the water
he looked into her eyes
and said you have
beautiful breast.

Blushing she closed her robe.
Do you get lonely he asked.?
Yes sometimes.
I do too he whispered.
Are you lonely now
Yes she said.

Five years later

They laughed as
thier new baby girl
joined the other children
in the pool.

Swimming for the first time
her new baby laughed.
She looked at him holding
the chid safe,
He was so safe so warm.
So much what she needed.

He reached for her hand.
she felt his solid grip.
I love you my sweetheart
he said.
As he picked up her litte girl
I love you too
daddy she whispered.

As a tear of joy
flowed softly
down my face.