Iris

By: Amanda Kay Vaubel

It’s midnight on the night before you left

For California;

For your dreams,

And what would become my nightmares.

We are both awake, and I’m busy

mixing us drinks.

The taste of Jack Daniel’s, UV Blue, and Peach Schnapps

Linger in our mouths.

The rancid smell of a skunk

permeates the room.

And you Mr. Blue Eyes are still sitting there, watching me

While your small bow-shaped lips curve into a smile.

You offer me your spliff

‘cause you’re not sleepy.

Once again I decline.

We’re still up at 3:00 ‘o’ clock in the morning,

And we’re talking about the small things

In our lives;

ballet, writing, and our friends.

We’re sitting in Fartun’s living room, and you say,

‘The last time I’ll ever see snow fall,’ how wrong you are.

I’m listening to the sound of our laughter

Echo in the room.

Mine is deep, and husky.

Yours, a light tenor,

floats over mine.

Our pale bodies intertwine in a heap

As we snuggle on Fartun’s living room floor.

We wrap the skimpy blanket

around our thin frames.

My cold, pale hands trail

Across your stomach,

And pull you tight.

Fartun tells us to go to sleep,

And we both decline.

I walk outside in bare feet,

And you, being a gentleman, offer me your coat.

I happily accept the warmth

Of the leather,

And smile.

I am whispering things to you

Try to sleep.

Sadly, our voices and the screen door awaken Fartun.

‘Guys, I don’t want to get kicked out of my apartment.

Please, it’s late. Just go to sleep.’

So, to appease her

We go inside,

And lay under the blanket.

all the while whispering about our plans for sex.

‘After she goes to sleep?’ you say.

I nod my head. ‘I’ve been waiting for this moment all day.’

I trace your bottom lip with my tongue

And gradually switch to my lips.

I pull your bottom lip gently at first

And pull harder as we continue.

My lips leave yours

And I bite the tender spot between your neck

And shoulder.

You roll me on top of you, and start to put on the black condom,

But first you ask, ‘do you want to put it on?’

I say, ‘no, I’ve never actually put one on someone before.’

We both blush, and you roll it down to your base.