story of a doorway

her steady stare snags
his snake's-tongue-flicking eyes. they
blush and look away.

his confident look
reels in her furtive glimpses.
grins erupt: they know.

a door flings wide, the
door slams shut. muffled sounds come
from behind thick walls.

kisses went from "i
want you," to "i love you." soon,
long walks trump thick walls.

soon, she learns his scent
like the back of his hand. she
feels complete for once.

he brings not only
roses, but sun-warmed smiles.
she waits for a ring.

one morning, he's gone
and she's left crying, clinging
to the open door.