The Alchemy of Affection
As always when she tells a tale,
her whole body surges toward me
like a warm wave about to crash.
Chardonnay wafts on her words;
her front teeth jut. Rills of wrinkles
run south from her eyes, north
from her lips. One hand rises
as if to absorb the explosion of delight
provoked yet again. Laughter snaps
my head back, hunches my shoulders.
The camera captures red hair
shading ginger on my head, ash blonde
fading white on hers; we’re women
of an age that adds mystery
to the alchemy of affection: how
the love of deep friendship transmutes
into the friendship of deep love.
Between us, three failed marriages.
Before us, the chance yet to claim
passion puzzling as it is fervent.
Copyright © 2018 Rebecca K. Leet
A former journalist and author, Rebecca Leet’s 45-year career in Washington, D.C. spanned media, politics and public policy. She turned to writing poetry in 2015 and has been published in Passager, Bourgeon, and NOVA Bards 2017. Her debut book of poetry, Living with The Door Wide Open, will be published in 2018. She lives in Arlington, VA.
30 for 30 is sponsored by Potomac Review
Thanks for adding your “mystery to the alchemy of affection” to our poetic mix of Love in the age of Alexa.