Chaise longue - a vignette

she reclines,
sips lap sang souchong
from a cracked Delft mug
– brown, like river water
it tastes of smoke

The window behind her empties
Into a riot of roses.
Peonies spill onto soft grass.
The summer is insistent
Only the thin pane of glass keeps it at bay

She half-wishes there were curtains to draw
Against the white light that striates her papery-thin skin

The quiet of the house
Descends like a Cy Twombly wave
Thick, green and languid.

A crumpled lily leans from its vase,
submitting to its reflection
on the polished mahogany table.

Fragrant,
It dusts her hand golden with pollen
As she plucks off,
A drooping leaf.

09.07.08