With thanks to the compendious vampiravali for one of the images
THE BETRAYAL
I am not there
While she waits curled
Under covers, tense
In semi-darkness
Hair splayed back
And I am not here
When he came submissive
To tenderness and giving
Into her wishes
The present unsaid
And I am not
There I saw her
Taut and imploring
Where he presses she
Responds releasing
'Are you with me?'
And to that urgent
Asking of desire
I heard the other partner
Wordlessly reply
'This is the body's dialogue
Let the covers of language fall
Whoever needs to speak of it
Cannot talk at all'
'I am here I am here I am here'
Are you with me?
Peter Jukes 1981
