the beauty of women

is a manifestation of angels

so say boys and men

and some other women too

we wuv dat stuff

we flinch under the scold

we kick trash on the sidewalk after fights

we cry on park benches or abandoned bedrooms

we loiter we stall we turn and go home

we open the door tentatively

we regard each other with caution

we talk we argue we stay silent

breathing deeply

then slowly we turn slowly we relent

it's not the way it was

but worse or better depending on our honesty

then the shuddering surrender

the trembling forgiveness

the embrace the healing kisses

and in the clinch the shining begins to grow

brighter and brighter

and repentant under the fading pain again

a manifestation of angels

pours from the beauty of women

Content (c) 2008-2011 Philip Milito.