Sisters bound together, clutch a length of fraying rope
against the danger of lightless days.
She pulls you toward the fog, but you go first,
surprised there is no time to be afraid.
The dancer’s palm knows your silken back,
your ear warming to his whispers.
In the sunporch, the piano’s notes play themselves out,
unfingered and metallic.
Crumbs scattered on a delicate orange saucer
hold the dry taste of sugar and almonds.
You have left us unprotected now, breathing
the brittle air of sudden winter.
