Netanya had just
come back
after a week away
at her daughter's place
up country

and then brought
the daughter back with her
and the daughter
and her partner
had our room upstairs

we were on
the made up bed
on the floor downstairs

did you miss me?
she asked

of course I did

what did you
miss most?

your company

my company?

yes
and the ***
of course

of course
I missed you too
slept in a room
on my own
and thought about you
and had to cuddle
myself and pretend
it was you

we cuddled up
on the made up bed

what did you do?
she asked

I slept with Marilyn Monroe  
and had Liz Taylor
pop in now and then
to break up the monotony  
I said

no really
Netanya said
what did you do?

I hugged your pillow
and kissed it good night
and hugged it all night
until I woke up
and it was
on the floor

on the floor?

yes we must
have a had
a falling out

she laughed
and we made love

and the street lights
went out
and it was dark
and warm

and a dog barked
near by

and I saw
the pale moon
in her right
wide open eye.