The Encounter

You came to the side of the bed and sat staring at me. Then you kissed me-I felt hot wax on my forehead. I wanted it to leave a mark: that’s how I knew I loved you. Because I wanted to be burned, stamped, to have something in the endI drew the gown over my head; a red flush covered my face and shoulders. It will run its course, the course of fire, setting a cold coin on the forehead, between the eyes. You lay beside me; your hand moved over my face as though you had felt it alsoyou must have known, then, how I wanted you. We will always know that, you and I. The proof will be my body. (Louise Gluck) Calla lily, dianthus, white suede, oakmoss and vanilla absolute