Her skin remembers his touch,
but his resurgence of passion
offers the tantalization of
a new lover’s caress.

With intimate knowledge
gained over the years,
he finds her secret places
and begins the fire --

A soft nibble on the nape,
a lingering tongue on her shoulder,
kisses, deeper, longer,
bring her to the edge.

He slows, then begins again,
teasing with fingers
across rising breasts and belly,
the small of her back --

Another pause, she moans a protest
until in his eyes she sees
the veracity of whispered words
of adoration and commitment.

They join in their dance again,
one body molding to the other,
surging into centers aflame
with love’s culmination.

As their bodies cool, they linger,
neither eager to break the bond
born years ago, but forged anew
in the fires of life’s struggles.

He touches her face,
calloused fingers on velvet cheek;
she smiles, kisses his hand,
and they sleep – secure in their joy.