Charles Bukowski – Last Straw

Charles Bukowski one of his last readings in 1980

Without Stirring

bleached sunlight
from outside
highlighted the red
of the table,
two cups of coffee
white sturdy porcelain
between them,
they had kissed
a brief paperclip kiss
not interlocking
only sliding,
moments had passed
distinct from the years
before,
opposite he took her
into his eyes,
memory replaced with
all that was now,
they would go and it
would evolve,
she placed her hand
upon the ocean swell
of her body,
a smile transferred
between them
it was settled.