Bonsoir

The sweat of a summer day begins 

to dissipate

as windows wide open 

welcome the night sky. 

A teasing breeze billows white sheer curtains 

cooling naked skin

fresh from a bath.

My eyes glance over trinkets 

glass perfume bottles of cerulean

gold, rose, and red.

Each sits collecting dust on a dresser—

waiting for an occasion. 

My favorite turquoise bottle: etched 

with tiny honeybees, 

wrapped with satin string.

I open it, breathe in honeysuckle, note 

a flirt of lilac that stirs 

a memory of Paris streets perfumed 

with flowers on a midsummer day. 

Inhaling, remembering those exquisite 

corners, turning to see lavender purple, 

pinkish white, and baby blue bunches 

hanging just out of reach.

Tilting the turquoise bottle side
to side, wetting the glass stopper…

I trace the wand slowly across skin,

between bare breasts, gliding 

further down. 

I allow myself to drag the glistening 

liquid steadily over 

my body, lingering

at my belly button.
Then behind knees, tender

through thick thighs.

Leisurely, I press the tip against 

collar bone, where neck meets 

shoulder, then gently over pulse, 

then down forearms to the bend 

of my elbow, drawing myself complete.

The perfume wafts all around me, 

filling the room. 

A breath of solstice 

tickles the wind chime

outside my window. 

I look up in the mirror at my nude 

reflection. Behind me the bed 

welcomes slumber with its cool sheets 

and fluffy pillow. 

I dress myself in long pearls, looping 

them over the nape of my neck, 

stark cold strand offering a contrast 

I find appealing. 

I walk slowly, approach

the open air

and pause, 

stark naked in the tall windowsill 

as I blow kisses 

to the moon. 

Framed by moonlight,

I turn my back on the night, crawl 

between sheets, and beckon 

the sweet kiss of sleep.