From Scampy's Cafe, Rogers Park by Elizabeth Marino

Some bruises heal easily,
soft flesh only briefly
tender to the touch.  How
quickly purple anemones
bloom and close,
petals fading to brown. Opening
this notebook to its middle space
 
I crack it's spine in two.
And now, to get ready
to greet you again,
I carefully press this blouse –
white raw silk, rich over loose
breasts, and between my thighs
the old ache.
 	-- ©2006 Elizabeth Marino