Something to be said

Life without her is easier.

He no longer needs to examine his shirts for crimson lipstick smudges or lingering traces of perfume. Or for her body’s delicious scent.  He does not have to set his phone to soundlessly vibrate in case she texts.  He knows that every date in his calendar is honest and justified. He has no need to disappear into his study to answer her needy mail. Or lower his voice when he bravely and hungrily calls her from the house.

There are no longer any secrets that might become unravelled. No chance sightings to somehow explain. No confusions over time and places and moments shared. No tell-tale receipts in his wallet. Or marks on his skin.

The heavy burden of guilt that he has carried without realising it has lifted from his shoulders and left him feeling light and free.  He thinks he has become a better man.  The stone in his heart has been rolled away.

There is something to be said for not committing adultery.

.

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Painting : The Temptress by Jack Vettriano

 

 

Public Knowledge

 

Public Knowledge

 

She tortures the stem of her glass,

Her anxiety spills over the rim.

The stain spreads like rumour

Darkening the space in between.

She has bitten hard on her lip,

Driven nails through her palms.

She has run up flags of distress

She has surrendered her charms.

 

The conversation rushes her ears,

A sea of voices without words.

She is pinned against the iron-grey sky

To suffer the mocking of birds.

She watches him carefully take

An aerial survey of her wounds.

He completes a nervous wide circle

And leaves her finally marooned.

 

Her hand crawls past the decanter

And clamps a manacle on his wrist.

A circle of thumb and forefinger

Against the hard rock of his fist.

There is an embarrassment of silence

As the conversation turns tide.

A panic of wings beating upwards

Escape the inevitable divide.

 

Copyright:  The author writing as Romantic Dominant

 

A dinner party among friends.  The moment she realises what everyone else already knew …