A Moment While Washing Dishes

by Merwin Figwater

Before you return
you return, linger not even
a moment
tantalize, then drift

away - a kiss not even
quick, a breath
of music, a drift
of air.

Sweetheart,

I'm only seconds ahead
of you--reach
again.

Merwin Figwater has been writing poetry since he could dial a telephone, which has been a good long time. He lives in Brisbane, Australia, where he teaches animal husbandry at a community college and watches silent movies at a local bistro every Saturday night. He keeps a pet hedgehog and a small Cockatiel named"Sprig."