The Cherished Wife
You could tell she was treasured
by the pleading looks he gave
when she left him in the hallway
with sad puppy eyes.
The kiss she gave when she left
was a mere peck but I saw
his lips twitch in hunger.
By the time she returned
his mouth was turned down to his chin
like the sun about to be
swallowed by the sea.
She busied herself with tea, he skulked
in the garden, his back arched
as he scratched in the damp earth.
By teatime the sun had begun to rise again
I caught the shine in my glass
as he beamed at her from across the table.
The Chardonnay I gave had triggered his switch.
Later I became aware that I was not a guest
but an intruder as his arm crept
slowly around her, protecting.
Sally James
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