WET WAVE DRY SHORE 1997

TWO WOMEN IN DUBLIN IN 1997 AND LOVE AND SEX

Una's new bedsit is cramped
and has just three rooms
a bathroom and kitchen
and a main room
which she has curtained off
for a bedroom

what do you think of  it?

small but cosy
Nuala says
looking about her

Una looks at her anxiously
can you stay awhile?

sure I can
is it the same bed?

no it's furnished
like the last place
I've no stuff of my own
Una says

Nuala sighs
you're a bit of a wanderer
aren't you?

have been for years
Una says
you like it?
she asks

sure if you're happy here
Una nods
and looks at the bed

have you time?
to do things?
or just a coffee and chat?
Nuala looks at the bed
and then at Una

all three if you like
she says

how's Brian?
Una asks

the same
Nuala says

I think he fancied me
Una says

he's a man
he'd fancy any girl
in a skirt and legs
and an a*s on her
Nuala says

shall we?
Una says

best draw the curtains first
don't want your neighbours
gawking as we get undressed
and make love
Nuala says

Una draws the curtains across
and the room becomes dim
they begin to undress slowly
wanting to do things relaxed
and not panicky as they did
that last time at Nuala place
and Brian came home
and they had to lie still
in case he came in
and found them naked
and in bed together
they get into bed
and lie there gazing
at each other

Una says
is that Brian's love bites
on your shoulder?

yes the idjit thinks it's funny
sucking my skin
Nuala says

so do you love him?
Una says

Nuala sighs
I thought I did
but I'd not do this
if I did I guess
she says

guess not
Una says

they kiss lips to lips
hands touching
holding and investigating
Una wanting to suck
Nuala's neck but doesn't
just in case Brian sees
and there's trouble
so she kisses more and more
like a wet wave
on a dry shore.