Frequently things
return when we’re older
some forms of love and
osteoarthritis.
Love comes in memories,
beyond reach after years.
A euphoria of sensory moments.
A skin whose texture we cannot recall,
the tingle of welcome touch
a taste of lips, caress of hair and
a tongue which could destroy us.
Arthritis, the joint freezing
prince of pain
and immobility,
like love whispers barely audible
caution warnings,
then summarily deserts us.
After Council review
The Board has decided
love and arthritis are much the same,
and worst, both outlive our sex drive.
This article appears in One Year Later.