Angel of Softness
………………………………………………………………….

The angels assigned…
To watch over,
That mountaintop tavern…
Must have seen the pain,
In my eyes…and heart…
Caused by distance,
And her lack of faith.

Did you see it too…
As you danced towards me,
Wearing sundress…
In early spring…
Light on your feet,
In spite of hiking boots ?
Only youth could look so sexy…
In such attire.

Did you read my strength,
In the lines of weathered…
Leathered.. sun baked face ?
When you flirted with smiles,
And offered me…
A swig of your beer ?

You seemed more determined,
When I declined…
Why would such beauty,
Focus on me…
When surrounded by,
So many testosterone possibilities…
Focused on you ?

Perhaps it was curiosity,
That drove you…
Or maybe because,
They were all drunk…
And I sober.

You…impressed with…
Lightness of aged feet,
As we danced,
To the music…
I’d come to hear.

Trying to discourage you…
Or was I testing…
When I disclosed,
You were as young…
As my oldest ?
You didn’t care.

The angels assigned,
To watch over…
That mountaintop tavern…
Must have sent you…
To me,
Or are you one of them ?

Lying here…next to me…
Resting…exhausted…
From climatic finale,
In peaceful sleep…
After placing…
Bandage of softness…

Over this aging lover’s heart.

Erin Woods