nightly ritual

dim light.
honey powder - a faint scent,
not fully used.
tingling just beneath the skin,
or not.
pause
and deep breath
in.
as lids close and lips part and heartbeat slows.
right hand anchors the front
while left hand reaches for the back simultaneously.
both
pull.
eyes open to place it, reconnected, atop the dresser.
right earring now.
the bracelet slips off almost unnoticed
and circles
the others.
rings.
one, two, possibly.
the jewelry speaks of femininity or sights seen, fears or excitements felt.
to be picked up tomorrow,
fresh,
their metal cools through the night
and woman breathes again,
untying the top of her blouse.

ritual of jewelry removal.

trailwalkin'

Where am I? ANASAZI. on the trail. bliss.