I pretended that he watched her
delicately
Like as if to observe
The golden tips
From butterfly wings

I pretended that he touched her
palms
So he could signal
Her nerve endings to stop shaking

I pretended that he kissed her
Temples
As if they were a place to worship
That his body was all he had
To offer

I pretended that he brought her
coffee
So that she couldn't feel
The steel pillars in her soul

I pretended that he loved her
entirely
But instead
He just sipped his tea
And folded
Arms across the table