Sheila Simmons
The Crystal Gazers
We’ll take a look at Tonks he says. He grasps her arm
steers her with purpose towards Gallery Twenty-two
this winter Friday afternoon, school parties gone,
the rooms dim-lit, subdued.
Expanses of grey carpet swallow up their steps.
This is the one he says. Sit here. Such a soft couch
they sink together on it with a sigh,
fall quiet as their bodies touch.
The high hum of the heating’s like a summer day;
far-away voices murmur, footsteps pass.
How does he get that light? he marvels, gripping her hand,
make paint transform to candle flame, glitter on glass?
The painting blurs before her eyes:
all bedroom softness, shoulders’ white reflected curve.
His warmth sprawled at her side electrifies her limbs,
quickens her breath, she cannot speak a word.
Muted by distance the tower clock strikes the hour.
I have to go he says, I’m lecturing at four.
They stumble to their feet, take a last look at Tonks,
the dazzle of that crystal ball.
Page(s) 30
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