The Visit

I stood on the doorstep.

Wondering what I was going to say, what you were going to say.

I thought of the time we spent together. I thought it was good.

The thought made me cry.

I reached for the bell.

You opened the door.

You appeared naked

And wonderful

Smooth and unblemished just as I remembered.

You smiled that smile.

The smile of laughter and late nights, of innocent insight

Of comfort and cohesion

I blinked. You were gone.

My arm lowered to my side. I stood for a minute, alone on your stoop.

I felt naked

And wonderful.

Just as I had forgotten.

I smiled that smile as I left.

The streets were quiet, the walk was quick

And no one was the wiser.