Run Your Open Hand

As you run your open hand over Helena's kitchen table,
there are tiny lumps and indentations along the outer edges.
Defects tease your fingertips as you move towards the center
where the woodgrain darkens,
where verathane has been applied and re-applied.
She tells you that it's real wood, the only solid thing she owns.
She says she's made love on it three times, never with the same person.
She says, "The legs are wobbly, but they've never given out."
And you bite your lip, and she bites hers
as you run your open hand over Helena's
kitchen table.

Bob Wakulich

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