devotion

we don't play board games or
date, we simply rest, pressed
close, a back arched
softly into a stomach,
an inverted comma promising
compromise, company

always, she sleeps early,
my head rests, pressed
to the pillow; i breathe
everything she is, promising
compromise, company

small prices-- her hair
rests, pressed to the sheets,
my arms a circle she still
misunderstands, the flick
of her feet; promising
compromise, company

in his absence, the most devoted
lover; in his presence, the most
gracious friend, banished
to the edge of the bed; her head
still rests, pressed to us, promising
compromise, company.