Afternoon Light

Afternoon light

on cotton white.

Lying bare,

strand of hair

in the golden clasp 

of the thin necklace

that indents her neck.

Ragged breath,

skin pressed,

pendant between breasts.

Etching of a body,

homage to the glory

of venerated want

and bona fide beauty.

Hallowed leisure,

hard-won pleasure,

satisfied woman

touched by her own brilliance.

Sure enough to be soft.

Fall light

on comforter white

falls lightly

on the comfort of her body.