Ariadne's Morning Poem by Terry Collett

Ariadne lies
beside Bernice
on the big bed
her once cropped
red hair
is now long
and over her shoulders.

Bernice sleeps
facing the wall.

Ariadne's
abusive father
is dead
alcohol poisoning
her mother
shacked up
with another drunk
as if she
were attracted
to that type
like a moth to flame.

She looks at her lover's
long mousey hair
the naked shoulder
visible from the duvet.

12 years together
since that pop concert
in the Park.

She wants to kiss
her awake
make love again
before work.

But she lets
her sleep
enjoys the sound
of her breathing
and her nearness.

They'd made out twice
in the night
each taking
the other
to a seventh heaven.

The sunlight pours
through the gaps
in the pink blinds.

Bird song
from outside
the window
and inwardly
a soft warm glow.