to the ward they came, singly

came to visit me

on a breath of promise

with their smoke - ring mouths.

The curtains drawn back then closed

behind them singly to visit me

with their searching, with their urchin temptations

their magnificent violations.

Saints and sinners equally welcome,

each unique in the daring dance of desire.

My mind feasted on display

a cornucopia

a panacea for every blocked avenue I suffered.

Deliverance to hand,

to hand, from hand to hand     and more.

 

      When finally I awoke

      my wife smiled down at me

      squeezing my hand.