The Seduction

You beckon me with an aperitif.

The Kir Royal tingles, its bubbles tickling my nose.

Its subtle black courant pulls me into your smile.

I drink from your lips the champagne-tingle of your kiss.

You ply me with Pacific oysters.

I am swimming in the blue of your eyes.

Their metallic, salty essence slides down my throat,

their soft, rubbery underbellies

bursting against the tang of lemon

like a tide against the soft sand.

You tempt me with the promise of tenderness

in the thick, slightly pink slices of a Kobe steak.

Their firm exterior gives without resistance,

like velvet butter in my mouth.

You seduce me with delightful endings.

You break through the crème brulée hard caramel shell

to reveal the soft, creamy vanilla interior.

And when I wonder if the egg custard

is perhaps too sweet, too silky

It marries, with eagerness and ease,

the bittersweet, dark pepper espresso,

like the warmth of your arms enveloping me

in the cool stillness of the midnight hour.