An open canoe nudged reeds and sand,

She kept to herself the pleasure he provoked.

The undercurrent dimpling as he stroked,

And drifted, slackly moored under his hand.

Turning to him, she let him loose the knot,

Drop the rope, and push his foot against

The pier to lift her free.

Her muscles tensed.

He took her like a sail the wind had caught

And guided her until she guided him.

And, when they were no place that either knew,

Where sky and sea and shadow echoed blue,

They plunged; and were pushed to the world’s rim.