Velvet to Skin

_Velvet to Skin_

I danced with her,
enjoying our closeness,
oblivious to the couples around us.

As I adjusted my embrace,
my hand moved
from the soft, warm skin
of the hollow of her back
to the enticing, slightly rough feel
of her elegant black velvet dress.

Lost in the touch,
I couldn’t tell which I preferred:
feeling the dress
moving across her skin, or
feeling the muscles of her back
moving underneath.

After going from skin to velvet
and velvet to skin a few more times,
I realized that no preference was required.

Just a Light Touch

_Just a Brief Touch_

We are a couple in a crowd,
dancing at night's end.
It is a beautiful song.
We embrace and begin.

During a turn,
my right wrist brushes
your left breast.

It was a light,
brief touch,
but it is already too late.

I am lost.

All I can think about now
is the delicious edge
underneath my hand
where your dress
covers your back
and right there
where I can feel you.

Before we embrace
for the final song,
you pull your hair back.

My eyes trace the curve
along your neck
to your shoulder.

I pause at the strap of your dress,
enjoying its contrast with your skin.

My right arm
wraps around your back.
You pull me in
just a little bit tighter.

As we begin to dance,
I can feel the muscles
of your lower back
shift beneath the silk
of your black dress.

The song ends.
We remain entwined.

The other dancers applaud
the end of the night.
We are applauding for
the beginning of ours.

 

_Improve My Dancing_

_Improve My Dancing_

She's dancing with him
again
and I am jealous.

I am covetous
of the way
he holds her,
their paired steps,
her closed eyes.

I imagine myself
cutting in
between them,
right there
on the dance floor,
accusing him of something
just to start a fight.

The song finally ends.
They leave the floor.
I stare at her
until I catch her eye.
My invitation is accepted.

As the music starts
and we begin to move,
I wonder if murder
would improve my dancing.