resistance

you asked for red wine

as deep as our sin

so it would slide down

your nervous throat

to ease your fears

all night never asking yourself

why you were here and

sitting across

from a woman like me

in this toxic place

instead you had rushed towards deceit 

before your brain could kick in

sliding off your wedding ring

under the table

into your purse

I saw all your glances

at my lips, my neck

and the way your hand shook

holding the fork

spooning into your soft, pink mouth

although I think you saw too

how when it touched the wine glass

staining the edges red

my eyes became frantic

unable to look away

so then of course you know

how we were both equally guilty

and that neither could be blamed for

the fumbled taxi ride home

or the frantic unlocking of the door

and that we cannot be condemned 

for the way your blouse ripped

as I tugged at it in the hall

or the trail of clothes we left down the stairs

as we staggered up to your bedroom

kisses that remained on your skin

the next day

or the welts on mine 

that refused to go down

whispers that grew to sighs

and finally on to fevered screams

or how we woke hours later

the bed also stained red

missing my classes

you missing your meetings

and just lay there numb

unable to accept the truth