the dawn breeze rises cool and soft
up from the golden ripples
of the Little North Santiam River.

past the sword ferns
yarrow
thimble berries
just ripening in late July.
through the fierce Himalayan blackberries
who need a trim.

over the cedar deck where we ate
grilled wild salmon and coleslaw
with our kids last night,
soaked in the softness
of our relaxed vacation bodies.

that silky air slides into our bedroom,
fills the space with the vigor
of a thousand spawning salmon.

our legs tightly entwined.
torsos pressed.
skin moist with sweat

these bodies fit together
even better
now with their
scars
sags
creaks.
proud flesh testifying
to grief and mileage.

teaching us our glorious human limits.
wisdom offered only through
life’s sharp blows and tears.

 
you open to me.
generous as always.
take me as I am.
with my vulnerable and volatile parts,
imperfect.
you welcome and entertain them all
as honored guests,
cherished.

we sink into the embrace.
merged for the moment.
the lists and logistics and decisions
dissolve.
and there is only us.