Experiment 13
Should I Presume
Should I Presume
First love is still within, the last to come.
Recall those Sundays all kissed away
in the hot fern, among cooling dunes,
with no ground gained, small recompense;
(nerves rubbed raw, senses alerted)
until first time willing — O soft hand
guiding yours to rituals of initiation.
Such a touch should have been savoured,
but only kindled flash fires soon to ash.
First love is still within, the last to come.
Should I presume to touch you there,
to trigger that quick response? Or must
we conform to conventional rules, play
farcical roles with that serious intent
of near-passe temptress, fast-aging boy?
Since honesty remains (frequently lost
along with virginity) lean down to life —
beds are for two, graves for single sleepers.
First love is still within, the last illusory?
Robert Thompson.