How is it

that one can fall in love

with the softness of a woman's back

know its warmth, its every curve

know which of its muscles are tight to the touch

and which will flow beneath the hand.

How is it that one can fall in love with a woman's voice

come to need it like a food

that to go to sleep without hearing it

is like missing a craved-for meal.

How is is that one can fall in love

with a woman's bed

so that one's body knows without question

which side to lie on

who'll end up with the covers in the morning

who with the best pillow.

How is it that one can love so many things about a woman

her back her voice her bed

and yet still walk away?

I cannot say

Who can, when the heart loses its way.