A memory as she crosses the street...                                
   under heavy wool blankets in a
   small mountain cabin teasing
   with her breasts ‘just try to say
   no to these - and to this’ as
   she lowers her lips and chill
   midwinter drafts couldn’t touch
   the fire of our long embrace

Her stride is still long
   vibrant and confident
   
I call her name, she stops
   we could hug and talk
   and then...
   cars honking

We could walk
   each
   our own way...
   and yet...
    
Our stride is long
   vibrant and confident
   as we move toward us
   as we safely cross

As traffic begins
   moving again.

-- Ayaz Daryl Nielsen