He Lay Down After A Long Day Poem by Anita Atina

He lay down after a long day

Of decisions, meeting obligations

Of doing the duties of this world



Oh it felt so good to lie down

Finally, he thought, pulling off his shirt

Stretching out languidly in bed



And then turning over, to relieve his back

Sleeping on his stomach

With lights dimmed


And he wondered

What was she doing

At this late hour, drowsily


She quietly tiptoed in

After a warm shower

Feeling delicious


She poured her favourite

Bitter orange & cinnamon oil

Rubbing her palms


With gentle relish

As the oil warmed

She touched the back of his neck


He smiled half asleep

He was waiting for this

And with a sigh, settled in again


She poured warm oil

Down his spine

While her right hand traced the oil’s flow


And the left followed

Kneading in circles, fondly touching

Every muscle and bone that held him up


Sitting astride

She stroked over

His wide back


The shoulder blades

Down the middle

And then lower down


Firm hands, fanned out

Kneaded the base

Where the days’ stress had accumulated



Absorbing it through her hands

To herself, from him

And letting it go


He felt a deep relief

And shifted again

Into deep slumber


She smiled, she knew

He was there already

And she would join him soon


In a healing interlude

The quiet haven

Birthplace of our souls