In Search of Luxury

Imagine the floor blue, tiles
a shade of harbor water,
and late afternoon sun
filtering through potted palms.

A ficus weeps in the corner
and a man moves
through those shadows
after you ask for cigars,
a question of gestures
and mixed languages.

He leaves us
with a woman who barks at him
and a German Shepherd the size of a bear.
Now she offers a treat from her purse.
Jaws snap at the air
as she pulls the snack away. Again
she extends the gift
and swiftly withdraws it.

Desire coils under the skin.
Time sticks in my chest.
The man returns with our purchase.
The dog is fed or not.

I go with the sound of teeth
in my throat, follow you
into the Mediterranean light.