Another Daydream

In the hours before the ball, I couldn't think about Albemarle - couldn't even think of them in fear that my heart would break and tears would fall, so I thought of you.

You, with the power to stop a heart with a glance 

You, with the power to control rooms and flood bodies with anticipatory pleasure 

You, with whom just a few days earlier I had spent the night

You, who had asked me to stay

You, who refused to use me as a distraction from the love you hold for another.

But what if that love had been for me?

And what if Albemarle had not helped me to my feet?

And what if you were not to be wed to Amelia?

And what if it was I you desired in Paris?

What if I were your mecca, the centre to which you turned to give thanks?

The one to whom you made pilgrimage?

Your skin would sing with my blessings

Your lips swell with my love

Your body sweat and shake with the gifts I have to give

Who needs to leave the country, when the world is with you in a single room? 

Who needs sustenance when passion dripfeeds entirely?

Who needs a mask when it is stripped away by sweat and completion?

In a moment, I felt every potential gather in my body

And sealed it with that kiss.