Down to Earth, Earthy

she knew he called her
down to earth, and she
was of the earth, her years
on the farm, her nails filled
with red earth, there was that side.

but when he said it,
well, it was something else,
maybe
right down on the earth,
maybe
him on top
with her in the red
soil, mating,
just two animals,

it had been
from the start,
that earthiness,

that look in his eye,
and she shuddered,
desire beginning to pulse
now, her man
walking across the gray boards
of the back porch,

coming for her, and
she slouched a little,
giving assent, taking his
hand, and following him
to their bed.