No Separate Peace

“. . . it should have been true. So I didn’t argue.” ~ John Knowles, A Separate Peace

When we have finished all the passion, sweat,

And dripping body fluids; when we reach

The pounded climax to that final threat

That comes with deep fulfillment; when we breach

The rules of what two partners can and must

Accomplish in a bed and go beyond

Those regulations; when I thrust and thrust

Until collapse, and we, we two, abscond

Two shattered bliss and find a space with rest;

When we have reached that peaceful garden plot

Where snakes and sweetest fruits, despite their best

Intentions fail, let’s see what love has brought:

We end up holding hands, do not release

Each other, but hold onto softening peace.