Kenton comes to tea.
Dunne serves at table.
Kenton knew Hazel

even as a child.
Her late father’s friend
watches Dunne pour tea

into his teacup.
Your dear father’s death
was quite sudden he says.

We were in Paris
touring when news came
Hazel says softly.  

Who was the other?
Kenton asks Hazel.
Dunne here my maid came.

Oh I see he says
gazing at Dunne’s thighs
hidden behind cloth.

He was a good man
Kenton says firmly
I’ve known him for years.

Dunne wants to refute
but remains silent.
Her master’s abuse

of her sexually
remains in her mind.
Hazel looks at Dunne

she knows the secrets
knew her father’s deeds.
Kenton rattles on.

Hazel remembers
her months in Paris
with Dunne at her side.

Art and galleries.
Cafes on corners
smoking and drinking.

Talking and laughing.
Both of them bathing
always together

touching and feeling
kissing and holding
in one bed at night.

Dunne slices the cake
pours Hazel’s black tea
her blue eyes searching.

Kenton eats his cake
talks between mouthfuls
spluttering small crumbs.

Dunne studies Hazel
her eyes *******
her tongue like a snail

moves slowly between
her mistress’s thighs
her hands embracing

the smooth naked skin
in her memory.
Hazel looks away

the room is so warm.
She knows that soft stare
****** and hot

and she whispering
more of that don’t stop
scratching through the air.

Dunne hears her and smiles
pours Kenton more tea.
He is unaware there’s love in the air.