8/24/2003

She
came to him
when
he was ripe
with desire
a longed for blessing
the price
for her favors
an end
to hiding.
Introducing himself
properly
to everyone present
with whom
he had a past
ended
a long running masquerade
eyes widening
breath catching
signs of
understandable surprise
his disclosure
nonetheless
a welcome
clearing of the air
explaining
without more words
moments shared
with one
and another
of those
who were gathered.
He had
never been
a more serious danger
to any
than himself
and everyone
at some time
feared for his life
but
knowing who he was
changed everything
for the better
eliciting
a sigh of relief
from the future.