And a quick pulse deepens in the sheltered arbor of a dream.
And in it, I watch you sleeping in my bed.

Rhythmic muscled rise and fall
Of a mans soft, deep breathing.

The sharp lean edge of a well defined jaw.
The angular planes.

The memory by rote.

I lean in and quietly watch.
Spying the pulse beat at your neck.

Concentric waves of seisms trembles
along the shaded vellum of your skin.

I inch closer still
And without thought
press rose madder lips against the living proof of you.

A final sweep of lash
to caress your cheek

And I move away
To see the stain I've left behind,

The brand that would have
Made you mine.