#1997
Overcast and delicious
Wonderful yet suspicious
Flowers blooming
In a sky without blue
And even the grass is
Shining like new
On a bed of ash
I dance with the flames
I'd tell you again
But it's all in the name
My hands grow tired
From tending the fire
But the highest of heights
Exists to aspire
Passion drifts by
Feelings so high
I can't help but notice
The pain in my side
Destruction so swift
Catches my eye
Helpless and ******
I let it slip by
I'm sure that they know
Facts left in tow
Frailty is shattered
Mindless and battered
I reach for my faith
To withdraw scattered
Ages of time are
Sprinklings of dust
Seduced by sound
And tempted by lust
Why free the soul
To shackle the mind
Taken as whole
Cast out as swine
Show me the way
Pointless to say
In a box to exist
A strange-fated twist
Wanting to feel
A feeling of want
Questions and answers
Dance about and taunt
Feb 5, 2021
Feb 5, 2021 at 1:20 AM UTC
Darkened dioramas seen through fading sight,
Wistful shadows of tormented light.
Twilight sifting through waking dreams,
Leaving me bare and clutching at seams.
We once flew on high with spirits of air,
We made light with the sun without a care.
Now I live only at night, sleeping through life,
Disgusted by struggle and sickened by strife.
Living for death but only dying my hair,
Heaven cancelled for the rain in the air.
So I gather my strength and I wish for the power to heal,
But when I give her my heart she says the magic just steals.
I've traded my eyes for a vision of sight,
And traded my soul for a photo of light.
Jan 28, 2021
Jan 28, 2021 at 7:12 PM UTC
Hale-Bopp’s fly-by
midnight stroll St. Simons beach-
lovers gently kiss
Oct 25, 2019
Oct 25, 2019 at 11:35 AM UTC
Hale-Bopp’s fly-by
midnight stroll St. Simons beach-
lovers gently kiss
Oct 19, 2019
Oct 19, 2019 at 12:09 AM UTC
By Arcassin Burnham
I begged and begged,
it still didn't sale,
you ran away , i brought you hell,
the time is changing , still i wanted you.
you told me them lies,
they believed you,
disgraced my name , like plans for you,
that day time stopped , now I ******* hate you.
It can't rain all the time,
i nearly lost my mind,
and though it always does,
you only did the crime.
you failed all of us,
and we trusted you,
pure female demon,
filled your own virtue,
I begged and begged,
it still didn't sale,
you ran away , i brought you hell,
the time is changing , still i wanted you.
you told me them lies,
they believed you,
disgraced my name , like plans for you,
that day time stopped , now I ******* hate you...
Jun 25, 2018
Jun 25, 2018 at 10:13 AM UTC
Bernice turned in the bath:
Ariadne was watching her
every movement. The red
hair once cropped short, had
now grown long again, the
eyes peered at her tiger-like.
Do you have to stare at me?
Bernice said. No, I don't have
to, but I like to. She continued
to wash herself aware that
Ariadne was still peering.
You can wash my back if you
must watch, she said. Ariadne
took the sponge and began to
soap Bernice's back. Like being
a child again, Bernice said, like
when my mother used to do
when I was little. Ariadne
sponged gently, over the back
and under the arms and down
the ribs and around the front.
I can do that area, Bernice said.
So can I, Ariadne said. She sponged.
Bernice sat there childlike bemused.
Didn't your mother bath you when
you were a child? Bernice said.
No, she Ariadne, I had to hurry up
and not take so long, or she'd hit
the back of my legs with a wet hand.
She never mentioned her father;
Bernice knew that was taboo.
She handed the sponge back to Bernice.
There you are, job done. Shame,
I was beginning to enjoy that,
Bernice said. Ariadne smiled.
Anytime and anything to obliged.
She left the bathroom. Bernice
finished off the bathing. Her mother
had to be bathed herself now since
the crippling disease. She sighed.
She got out of the bath and stood
drying herself with a towel. Some
days she wished her mother was
well enough to bath herself somehow.
Mar 12, 2018
Mar 12, 2018 at 5:10 AM UTC
Tessa put on
the Mozart Requiem CD
and relaxed
on the old sofa
in her student room.
Molly
was sitting there
beside her
having watched Tessa
move from the sofa
and put on the CD.
How her hips swayed
as she walked
and how
she knelt down slightly
to open
the CD player top
and slip in the CD
a sight of thighs
caught her eyes.
I love this Requiem
Tessa said
I want this
at my funeral
or rather
the first aspect of it
not the whole of course
or people will
have fallen asleep.
Molly smiled
hopefully you've
a wait before that.
Yes I hope so too
Tessa said.
Molly wished
Tessa was sitting
on her bed.
She was last time
she came
and it was a buzz
sitting there beside her
knowing that in
a different world
they could have
made out.
Only Tessa wasn't
into girls
but that boring
boyfriend of hers
whom she said
she loved
but who was probably
having it off
with any girl
willing to
at his university
if she knew him.
I prefer Jazz
Molly said
but won't bother
having any music
or hymns played
at my funeral
as I won't be alive
to hear it.
But you will
be there in spirit
Tessa said.
I don't believe
that nonsense
Molly said
once you're dead
you're dead.
Tessa frowned
how can you
believe that?
How can you
believe nothing?
That's how I am
dead means dead
Molly said.
The Mozart
played on
as Tessa lectured
on about her faith.
Molly watched
her lips speak
and her small *******
move beneath
the tight pink tee shirt
and Molly
thought Tessa
a little teasing flirt.
Jun 15, 2017
Jun 15, 2017 at 3:16 AM UTC
She no longer wonders
What her husband Brian
Is doing or where he
Goes or if he misses
Her; she has Una now
All to herself, no more
Sharing her *** life with
Brian and his quick fix
*** and his annoying
Sleeping afterwards sad
Routine. The last time she
Met him for a talk and
Tea to discuss their plans
For divorce, he sat there
Moodily smoking and
Stirring his tea with the
Spoon provided in the
Café and gazing out
The window at the rain
Running quickly down the
Windowpane. On what grounds?
He’d asked looking into
Her eyes, the lips she once
Kissed, unkissable now,
The dull wateriness
Hanging in there in his
Big blue eyes. Grounds? I’m in
Love with a woman and
******* her to heaven
And back, she’d replied, her
Voice carrying over
To other tables where
Old couples sat and who
Stared back at her softly
Tut-tutting. After a
Few meetings and him then
Knowing that she’d not be
Coming back home to him,
The road to a divorce
Was agreed and he sat
Back in the chair in the
Café with that sad eyed
Puppy kind of stare. Hope
She burns in hell, he’d said
Bitterly, maybe then
You’d come back home to me,
Nuala, and forget
This folly of *******
Women. Now she sits still
Beside Una on their
Shared big bed, feeling the
Closeness of her flesh, the
Warmth, the smell, the love shared,
The sense of fulfilment
After a good seeing
To. Dublin was all right,
But she wanted to go
Further south, away from
People who might know her,
People who pointed and
Gestured and muttered words
Behind their hands in shops
And stores. Una kisses
Her cheek, the lips wet and
Warm, her hand rubbing her
Thigh, the memory of
Brian healing over,
His image like a scab
She seldom picks at or
Touches. As she kisses
Una’s arm she senses
All her flesh tingle, as
If set to wires of
Electricity, as
If kissed by angels, touched
By God, seeing heaven
Through parted clouds, and the
Memory of Brian’s
Last pathetic **** fades
Like melting snow, with this
Deep nowness of love for
Una, brave new world, this
Inner fire and glow.
(2010 POEM.)
Aug 11, 2016
Aug 11, 2016 at 11:19 AM UTC
Nuala had left Brian,
he'd found out
about her and Una
by following her
into Dublin
and watching her
and Una meet and kiss
and followed them
back to Una's place.
Nuala knocks on
Una's bedsit door anxiously.
Una wide opened eyes
what you doing here?
what did you forget?
Una says.
Nuala is red eyed
and tearful:
I've left Brian
or rather he told
me to go,
Nuala says.
Why?
What happened?
Una says.
He followed me
into Dublin and saw us
and he guessed
that something
was going on
and we rowed
and I confessed.
She stops and stares
at the floor.
Come in,
Una says.
Nuala goes in
and Una shuts the door.
Did he follow you
back here?
Don't think so,
I didn't think,
Nuala says.
Una looks out
the window
onto the street:
can't see him.
Nuala sits on the sofa
and cries softly.
Una sits next to her:
what will you
do now?
**** knows,
can I stay here
for a few days
until I get
some where?
A few days?
You can stay as long
as you want,
if you don't mind
sharing my bed
and what I have,
Una says,
will he have
you back?
I don't want
to go back,
I want you,
Nuala says.
Una smiles:
you can stay
here of course.
Can I?
Of course,
Una says.
What if Brian comes
and causes trouble?
What about my things
I left behind?
Nuala says.
We'll go get them together,
Una says,
he didn't touch
you did he?
Nuala shakes her head:
no he never has,
not even after this,
he just said to go,
and I packed a few items
and left and got
the bus and it was
like my world
was upside down.
Una kisses her cheek,
and goes and gets
her a coffee
and chocolate cake
and says:
eat, this is
an emergency
for fecks sake.
Aug 11, 2016
Aug 11, 2016 at 2:34 AM UTC
Nuala opens
the front door
sees Brian sitting
in his armchair
drinking a beer
smoking a cigarette
without the TV on
which is rare
you're home early
she says
entering the lounge
looking at him
brooding over
his can of beer
where'd you go?
he says
looking at her
went shopping
in town
she replies
I told you where
I was going
she sits on the sofa
uncertain
of his questioning
a mood behind it
who'd you see?
he asks
people
and shoppers
why?
she says
you saw her
didn't you?
he says
who do you mean?
she says
your friend Una
he says
Nuala blushes
naturally
before she
can try
to control it
o yes
I bumped into her
while shopping
Nuala replies
her mind panicking
why'd you kiss her?
he asks
his eyes studying
her features
kiss her?
she says
yes you kissed her
he says
women do kiss
each other
as friends
she says
on the lips?
he says
how'd you know
where I kissed her?
Nuala stands up
walks to the window
looks out
I followed you
into town
saw you both
you went off
with her
to some bedsit
and went in
he says coldly
what'd you do there?
she gazes
at the passing
people below
at the passing traffic
why'd you
follow me for?
a game at first
I was going
to surprise you
in the shops
but then
you met her
and I followed
he says
hardness
in the tone
she turns
gazes at him
what did you do
while in her bedsit?
we had coffee
and a talk
Nuala looks
away from him
stares at the people
outside again
you were there
too long just to talk
and have coffee
he says
what are you
suggesting?
she says
acting offended
gazing
back at him
something weird
going on
with you
and her
he says
they stare
at each other
a silence comes
between them
all right then
I love her
we've made love
for months now
Nuala says
her voice shaky
he reddens
and opens
his mouth
to say something
but nothing comes
**** off
to her then
get your stuff
and go
he says
after a few moments
reflecting
she looks at him
her world beginning
to unfold
and fall apart
as if someone
had pierced
her betraying heart.
Jul 23, 2016
Jul 23, 2016 at 1:45 AM UTC
Brian sits
numb and waits
for his wife
to come home
he'd seen her
in Dublin
with that girl
that Una
holding hands
he knows now
where she goes
when she's out
not with him
he'd followed
her out to
see where she
went for fun
spying game
kind of thing
then she met
the blonde girl
that Una
and they kissed
he feels sick
can't believe
what he saw
then they went
off together
to some place
some bedsit
and went in
he opens
up a beer
and sips it
she was here
that Una
a while back
staying here
what's happened
to my wife?
why'd she kiss
that woman
on the lips?
is she queer?
he recalls
him and her
having hot
*** last night
she willing
lying there
having it
he sips more
of his beer
what to do?
what to say?
how long for?
and then what?
he feels sick
sits and waits
sipping beer
slips his mind
down inside
to first gear.
Jul 17, 2016
Jul 17, 2016 at 2:47 AM UTC
Nuala lies beside Una
in the small bed
in her bedsit
they had just had ***
and were
lying there smoking
my Ma died
Una says
I got a letter
this morning
o sorry
Nuala says
turning to look at Una
when?
last weekend
couldn't they
have said before this?
Nuala asks
no one talks with me
it was a friend
who wrote to me
and said
Una says
were you close
to your mother?
Nuala asks
no she shut me out
once she found out
I was gay
Una says
how did she died?
cancer like my Da
both heavy smokers
Una says
stubbing out
the cigarette
in the ashtray
by the bed
Nuala takes a quick puff
of her cigarette
and stubs it out
in the same ashtray
leaning across Una
they kiss
then Nuala lies back
beside her again
and hugs her
when's the funeral?
I don't know
can't go anyway
too much trouble
from the others
Una says
that's sad not going
to your ma's funeral
that's how it is
Una says
what was your mother's
last words to you?
go to hell
and she walked out
on me and slammed the door
and I left
Una says
maybe she'd forgiven you
at the end?
Nuala says
no Ma never forgot
nor forgave
she'd not do that
there is silence
birds sing from outside
hum of passing traffic
I'd best go
Brian will be wondering
where I am
Nuala says
she kisses Una's breast
and gets up
and dresses
Una watches
wishes she could stay
and comfort longer
she watches as Nuala
brushes her hair
and stares back at her
in the dressing table mirror
and mouths a kiss
to her lying in bed
and Una keeps it
captured in her hand
and to places it
in her head.
Jul 10, 2016
Jul 10, 2016 at 2:56 AM UTC
Una folds
the letter
and puts it
in the white
envelope
grim reading
Mother'd died
from cancer
last weekend
no one rang
to tell her
not a soul
just the one
lone letter
from a friend
saying so
so she'd gone
to her God
closer to
Him than me
cut me off
from her life
now her death
Una says
to herself
all because
I was gay
and slept with
the women
not the men
God's curse on
you she'd said
now she's dead
Nuala
my lover
will console
me today
when she comes
we'll make love
in my bed
and make peace
with the ma
in my head.
Jul 5, 2016
Jul 5, 2016 at 2:23 AM UTC
By Arcassin Burnham
A failure at heart of all the most harshest things
Will never see the inside of a lovely fling,
I will never get to experience the finer things,
And will never get to take in all the beautiful things,
Disgrace by some and mistaken by others,
Everyone sees you as an entity just hiding in dark
Corridors and making the ghost sounds because your
Trapped behind a curtain of shame and pure let downs
Scurrying from the scenes that you've failed to realize,
I wonder how the stars would look in Paradise,
Everyday I realize that I could never do what you do,
Could never obtain the statuses that you possess to be crude,
No I'm not as strong but I'm not afraid to hit you in the face,
To be ridiculed will get you killed, this is not a phase,
When I say I hate you it's not a metaphor,
Family or not , I trust no one,
If this is the way life has to be then bring more,
I'm use to situations anyway to find out what else is in store,
I will be great,
I will rise,
19.
Jul 1, 2016
Jul 1, 2016 at 6:33 AM UTC
Even as
her husband Brian
shags her,
Nuala thinks of Una.
Even as his body
pounds into her
in passionate gaming,
she wants it to be
Una there not him,
not Brian.
She lies there
allowing him his pleasure,
his need,
listening to his sighs,
and grunts,
and 4 minute workout.
Even as he shudders
himself to a big ******
she feels nothing,
but a tingle of regret
and unearned sweat.
He lies back on
his side of the bed,
breathless,
panting,
taking large gulps
of bedroom air.
She just looks up
gives the ceiling a stare.
How was it for you?
He asks eventually,
turning to gaze at her,
a look of satisfaction
on his face.
It was good,
she lies,
best yet.
He smiles,
and puts a hand
on her right ***
Have you heard
from that friend, Una?
He asks.
No I've not,
she lies,
looking at his eyes,
and how innocent
they are,
how childlike
he seems.
He tells her
of his day at work
in soft utters;
she listens on and off
thinking of the ***
she'd had with Una
that afternoon;
how hot and wet
she'd been,
needing a hot shower
to get clean.
She lets him talk on,
hoping he won't
want *** again that night;
she's not up to it,
all she wants
is sleep and rest,
not more ***
with him,
the 3 minute trier,
and boring pest.
Jun 29, 2016
Jun 29, 2016 at 1:13 AM UTC
There's a trail
of discarded clothes
from staircase
to bedroom floor.
Curtains drawn
to shut out light
and sight of others.
Brian's never
done this,
Nuala says,
never made me
wet so and hot
as if I'd showered.
He's not my skill,
Una says.
They lie beside
each other
in the double bed,
eye gazing.
You've explored
each part of my body,
Nuala says.
Each part twice
or more,
Una says.
Kisses breast nearest.
Lips kiss skin.
What'd Brian say
if he could see this?
Una asks.
Don't ask.
Mind boggling
to even think such.
I've a mind to give you
love-bites
to make him jealous,
Una says.
He gives them
if he remembers
while ********
Do you have
the stop-watch on?
Time him?
No need the hand'd
not repeat itself
on the face piece.
They laugh.
Kiss lips.
How's he start?
Una says.
Soon as he's in bed.
But how?
Kisses my neck.
Like this?
Una kisses.
Near so.
Kisses again.
Not so good
as you do.
Where then?
Nuala looks
at Una's eyes.
He fumbles
with me.
Fumbles?
How so?
Nuala fumbles
Una's thighs.
Like so.
Here, too.
Seen dogs in the park
more killed,
Una says.
Nuala smiles.
First time he was done
in the time
I could sneeze.
Did you wipe
your nose?
Giggles both.
What time have
you to go?
Una says.
Soon or I'll not
get dinner on time.
Miss you
being here,
Una says.
Miss being
here with you.
What to do?
Do this.
They kiss.
Jun 23, 2016
Jun 23, 2016 at 2:08 AM UTC
Nuala watches
her husband Brian
snore as she lies
beside him
in the bed.
Early hours
and birds beginning
to sing in dawn's light.
She thinks of Una
in another bed elsewhere
and wants her there
without Brian
and his snores
and fumbling sex.
Last night
was a chore.
Two minute wonders.
Half a dozen kisses
at most.
Into her
then out
and on his back
panting like a dog.
No prince
from this frog.
Una had kissed
each part of her
from head to toes
and likewise to her
the day before.
Brian grunts
and turns away.
Broad back
like a bull
sleeping there.
Little foreplay
with him.
No prelude or overture
to his opera of ***
Just down to it
like a dog
on a bone.
Una plays her
to a sweet melody.
Fingers her
to high thrills.
Brian mutters
in his sleep.
Nuala turns away
and faces the wall.
She muses on
the first date
in Dublin.
He dressed
to ****
Suited up
and thin green tie.
She'd worn that
skinny dress
which showed off
the outline
of her ****
Gagging for it
he was.
First date.
No way Mister.
Chaperoned anyway
distantly by her sister.
Nuala wishes
Una was there.
The body of her
near or next.
Lips to her.
Kisses placed
here and there.
Putting Smarties
on her and saying
**** these off.
Brian snores.
A small cough.
Jun 18, 2016
Jun 18, 2016 at 1:35 AM UTC
Una folds
the bed sheet
Nuala
had lain there
smells the scent
in each fold
she holds it
under her chin
folds again
she wonders
how Brian
and his wife
Nuala
are doing
at this time
probably
making love
in the bed
him not her
having ***
Nuala
lying there
him on top
riding home
to glory
(same story)
Una puts
the bed sheets
out of sight
til next time
she can't bear
to lie there
without her
in the same
bedding sheets
Nuala
opened up
different sides
new angles
to their love
not man ***
but their ***
on their terms
in their time
now and then
just women
without men.
Jun 10, 2016
Jun 10, 2016 at 11:52 AM UTC
How was your day?
Nuala asks,
lying next to
her husband, Brian,
in their bed,
hoping sleep
will come quick
before he gets
to wanting to have
his end away.
Tiring and busy,
he says,
looking at her,
his eyes searching her,
where'd you go?
She looks past him
at the curtains flapping
where the top
of the window is open.
Shopping in town.
Buy anything?
Not much; few bits,
she says,
thinking of her and Una
making love in her bed
in the new bedsit,
and twice going the rounds.
Nothing for me, then?
He says smiling.
No not this time,
she says,
knowing that smile,
that I want to have you
soon kind of smile.
Haven't seen
your friend Una around?
He says.
No not since she left us,
Nuala says,
hoping Una never left
love bites on her body
anywhere; she'd not
looked since she'd
been home and got
the dinner.
Shame I liked her,
he says.
I'll get jealous,
she says.
No need,
he says,
you're my number one.
She recalls Una kissed her
almost everywhere,
and her love making her
so moist and hot.
So how about it?
He says.
About what?
She says.
Us and ***
What about us
and ***
Are you up for it?
He says smiling.
Sleepy,
she says.
A quickie?
He says,
his smile still in place.
She resigns to fate,
and so he goes
about his task;
never get,
his mother'd said,
if you don't ask.
Jun 3, 2016
Jun 3, 2016 at 2:28 AM UTC
Una's new bedsit is cramped
and has just three rooms
a bathroom and kitchen
and a main room
which she has curtained off
for a bedroom
what do you think of it?
small but cosy
Nuala says
looking about her
Una looks at her anxiously
can you stay awhile?
sure I can
is it the same bed?
no it's furnished
like the last place
I've no stuff of my own
Una says
Nuala sighs
you're a bit of a wanderer
aren't you?
have been for years
Una says
you like it?
she asks
sure if you're happy here
Una nods
and looks at the bed
have you time?
to do things?
or just a coffee and chat?
Nuala looks at the bed
and then at Una
all three if you like
she says
how's Brian?
Una asks
the same
Nuala says
I think he fancied me
Una says
he's a man
he'd fancy any girl
in a skirt and legs
and an *** on her
Nuala says
shall we?
Una says
best draw the curtains first
don't want your neighbours
gawking as we get undressed
and make love
Nuala says
Una draws the curtains across
and the room becomes dim
they begin to undress slowly
wanting to do things relaxed
and not panicky as they did
that last time at Nuala place
and Brian came home
and they had to lie still
in case he came in
and found them naked
and in bed together
they get into bed
and lie there gazing
at each other
Una says
is that Brian's love bites
on your shoulder?
yes the idjit thinks it's funny
******* my skin
Nuala says
so do you love him?
Una says
Nuala sighs
I thought I did
but I'd not do this
if I did I guess
she says
guess not
Una says
they kiss lips to lips
hands touching
holding and investigating
Una wanting to ****
Nuala's neck but doesn't
just in case Brian sees
and there's trouble
so she kisses more and more
like a wet wave
on a dry shore.
May 27, 2016
May 27, 2016 at 3:21 AM UTC
A week has gone,
and Nuala has not
heard from Una,
where she had gone,
or where she is.
Then just after
her husband Brian
had gone for work,
the phone rings,
and she picks it up,
and Una's voice says,
is it you Nuala?
Nuala nods
to the phone stupidly.
Yes, where are you?
Dublin, I've got
a new place,
a bedsit.
Where in Dublin?
Una tells her.
How long
you been there?
A few days,
Una replies.
Why didn't you
ring me before?
I was with a friend,
and didn't want
to worry them,
and I wanted somewhere
we could be together,
Una says.
Nuala pauses,
looks at the phone,
I was worried
about you,
she says.
Not easy finding
somewhere, and this
friend let me stay
a few days,
and I was so upset
about leaving your place,
and your husband
gawking at me
most of the time,
I couldn't
do it anymore,
Una says.
Who's your friend?
Nuala says.
A university friend,
Una says.
Did you bed her?
Nuala says
without thinking first.
No I didn't,
it's a he actually,
Una says brittlely.
Sorry I shouldn't
have said that,
I should have
trust in you,
not doubt,
Nuala says.
There is silence
on the phone.
Nuala looks
at the phone piece.
Are you still there?
she says.
Yes,
Una says,
still here;
please don't doubt me;
I'd not doubt you.
Nuala stares
at a photo of Brian
on the sideboard
next to the phone,
and turns him away
to face the wall,
I'm sorry,
I was worried about you,
and having Brian
asking questions
all the fecking time
asking where you were,
and where you went,
it got to me,
Nuala says.
When can you come?
Una asks.
This afternoon,
I can come then,
Nuala says.
You sure?
Una says.
Yes, this afternoon,
Nuala says.
I'll be ready,
Una says
in her **** voice.
The phone
goes dead.
Nuala stares at it,
and puts it back down,
and begins to cry,
and knows,
but doesn't know why.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016 at 2:37 AM UTC
Why'd she leave?
Brian says,
I thought Una
was going to stay awhile?
She found
some place else,
Nuala says,
didn't want
to crowd us in.
Brian eats the dinner
and looks at his wife.
I liked her,
he says,
better than some
of your friends.
Well she's gone now
so doesn't matter,
Nuala says.
Silence enters
the room.
Has she a boyfriend?
Brian asks.
No, not yet,
Nuala says,
musing on she and Una
having *** that last time,
after Brian had left for work,
and he returning,
and they in bed stiff
with fear he'd find them,
but he didn't.
Some bloke'll be lucky,
Brian says.
Fancy her do you?
Nuala says.
No, but she's a nice girl,
someone will
snap her up,
Brian says.
I'll let her know
the next time I see her,
Nuala says.
Brian nods.
He did fancy her,
but not that much
that he'd risk his
marriage for,
he muses,
taking in Nuala's
dark features,
the tone of her voice.
Fancy a drink out later?
He says.
Suppose,
Nuala says,
can if you like.
They eat on in silence.
He imagining Una
giving him the come along
if Nuala was out
and Una still there,
maybe just to see if,
but no,
he muses,
it'd not work.
Nuala wishes Una
was still there,
still near,
be able to have her
when Brain was out at work
or better still
at her new place
when she gets one,
that'd be more fun.
May 9, 2016
May 9, 2016 at 3:45 AM UTC
It was a close thing:
Brian called out,
but hearing no answer
picked up his bag and left.
Una and Nuala
lie in bed frozen in fear.
Has he gone?
Una whispers
I think so,
Nuala says.
They lie still
and listen out.
I'm sure I heard
the front door close again,
Una says.
Nuala gets out
of Una's bed
and walks to the door;
anxiously opens it up,
and peers out.
She is naked,
yet unaware she walks
into the lounge,
then into her bedroom,
then the kitchen.
He has gone,
she muses,
and sneaks back
to Una's room.
He's gone,
Nuala says.
Best get dressed then,
Una says.
So they dress quickly,
then stand
and look at each other.
Can't do this again,
Nuala says,
it's getting to my nerves.
I'll go and get
another place,
Una says.
What do I tell Brian
when he comes
and finds you not here?
Nuala says.
Tell him I 've found
some place else,
Una says,
I'll pack now
and find somewhere.
No you can't go like this,
Nuala says.
I must or he'll fine us
one day together
and then your marriage
will be over,
Una says.
Nuala nods her head;
ok, I must go to work;
will you be gone
when I'm back?
Yes I'll let you know
where I am,
Una says.
Nuala kisses her,
and goes to her room,
and gets her coat and bag
and leaves.
Una hears the door go,
and tearfully packs
her bag,
makes the bed,
and leaves
closing the door
with a soft click.
May 4, 2016
May 4, 2016 at 1:53 AM UTC
Brian's gone to work;
Una and Nuala
sit at the kitchen table
looking at each other.
Thought he'd never leave,
Nuala says,
sorry about last night;
you must have heard us;
I didn't want it to happen,
but he wanted to,
and I can't let him get
suspicious or he'll
ask you to leave,
and then I don't know
what I'll do.
I pretended it was us,
Una says,
imagined it was you
and me making love.
Wish it was,
Nuala says,
she puts out a hand,
and touches
Una's arm.
I can't do this
for too long;
it's mucking me up
in the head
wanting you,
and having to
make love to him,
Nuala says.
I'll find some place else,
Una says,
it isn't going work here
I know,
me wanting you,
and you wanting me,
and Brian
in between us.
There is silence
for a few minutes.
Have we time?
Nuala asks,
do you want to?
Of course I do,
Una says.
They stand,
and kiss,
and Nuala takes Una's hand,
and they go to Una's room,
and undress,
and get into bed.
They kiss,
and hold,
and after a few minutes
of whispering,
they make love,
and as they do,
the front door opens,
and Brian says,
I forgot my bag.
Nuala and Una lie still,
and stare at the door,
and wait;
there's no way out,
it's too late.
Apr 28, 2016
Apr 28, 2016 at 1:47 AM UTC
Brian having done
rolls over to his side
of the bed
and breathes out
as if he had
little breath left
to survive on
Nuala lies there
feeling violated
undone
hot sweat
between her thighs
and damp and sticky
and breathing deeply
wonders if Una
heard the noise
of him and the bed
against the wall
and what she thought
if she heard
and wishes it
had been Una
and not him
not him but her Una
them making love
Una's hands
on her
holding and bringing
her to a new height
and fresher love
and kind of heaven
how was it for you?
Brian says
exhaling breath
gazing sidewards at her
in the semi-dark
she looks towards him
and smiles a false smile
a mask of gratitude
best ever
she lies
making it sound
as genuine as she can
he kisses her lips
she feels his lips
shuts her eyes
wanting it to be
Una's lips
not his
her soft thin lips
not his thick lips
he turns back
and lies on his back
and gazes at the ceiling
where light
from the street
plays there
Nuala sees
behind her eyes
Una there
her body so close
the vibration of her body
oozing heat towards her
and pretends it is Una
is her so near
but knows it isn't
it's Brian breathing deep
taking an
after pleasure rest
not good at all
she muses
not the best.
Apr 19, 2016
Apr 19, 2016 at 8:18 AM UTC