helpless

he leans against time
adjusts his hat
assured the shadow
is just right
allows himself
the luxury
of hallowed thought
of visions suppressed
the doorway opens
closes
as do the windows
pages fill and turn
promise me one thing
arm slipped through
past most defenses
winter waiting close
defined by an a-line
she looks along
his shoulder
pressing her head
anything darling
his left hand
brushing aside
crimson curls
she stops breathing
eyes closed quivering
lips drawn tight
whisper
never marry me