(a continuation to “All There Is”)
_____
They lain together in the after, heart to heart, eye to eye, silent save for easy breaths, immersed in moment and presence of simply being. After, they held near in presence and drifted in minds as they remained in repose reading by each other’s side. Annie returned to book of before and he into Dante’s Dream.
Annie restored where story paused as one of own was lived. Upon next page, there waiting, she read:
“They learned to be together without speaking, and they got the habit of repose…
Sometimes they would lift their eyes from their studies, smile at each other, and return to their reading; sometimes Stoner would look up from his book and let his gaze rest upon the graceful curve of Katherine’s back and upon the slender neck where a tendril of hair always fell. Then a slow, easy desire would come over him like a calm, and he would rise and stand beside her and let his arms rest lightly on her shoulders. She would straighten and let her head go back and against his chest…Then they would make love, and lie quietly for a while, and return to their studies, as if their love and learning were one process.”[i]
She held her breath in receiving of the lines, turning for view James in contemplations, reading at her side, eyes looking over page for meet and find of hers and silent exchange of telling adoration.
Heart warmed at inspiration to her read and living romance; a wonder long after amber’s rays; and within she prayed for the taking of their Dream.
[i] John Williams, Stoner.