THAW by Maria Cecilia Pelayo
There was a time
When she couldn’t see
Past tequila and lime.
Past the end of the bar
or reflections off glass
God—she knew they’d leave a scar.
Knew and didn’t care
Knew and didn’t dare
To think it could be different.
To think it could be good
Or entertain the thought
That she ought to be wooed.
Ought to be treated right,
To be gently kissed goodnight
By someone who made her feel bright.
No, she’d never thought like that,
Never thought she wanted more
Than nights that started high and then fell flat.
But she did, and he saw
Her heart was cold
And he wanted it to thaw.
So he took his fire, the one in his chest
And he warmed her until she melted
Under those hands that knew her best.