Page 33 - Contrast1990

Tension
by Laura J. Balakir

There is a bit of tension in the air-
so slight it passes over the
disorderly papers,
discarded vials of medicine (long used),
hastily written scripts,
red sale tags on the floor,
crumpled receipts
and hurried customers-
and settles around the heart of
someone straightening
unruly little boxes in aisle
one.
It lingers there for a long moment
and causes the corners of her lips
to turn in a private smile ...

There is a bit of tension in the air-
when he unlocks the door for her.
Last night's dream still recaptures
the softness of his kiss
and the comfort of his arms about her
even as he smiles and
hands her a bag for Mr. Utara.

There is a bit oftension in the air-
when she asks for the back-door key
and touches his finger-
for a second.
And there is a bit of tension in the air
when she looks up and finds-
his eyes right there.

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