Beautiful Lois: A Collage

How to explain the indescribable?
         Find words for images that leave me speechless?
         Sing praise for one who takes my breath away?
Let me give you snapshots in poetry,
         Moments in time, glimpses of my love.

I glance into a mirror and see you standing, back turned,
         Black hair tumbled to your waist,
         Jeans tight over your hips,
         Skin light as cream, soft as silk.
I murmur and purr, words leave me,
         And you turn your head and quirk your brow.
“Beautiful,” I sigh as the light streams over your profile.

Your profile, that straight, sophisticated nose,
         Great strange eyes, ever changing,
         Elegant expressive dark brows,
         Long eyelashes gently curving.
Pale lovely skin framed by black waves,
         The contrast sets off, like rare jewels,
         Full rosy lips and those amazing eyes.
“Beautiful,” I whisper, as we put out the lights.

At night, you become a creature of chiaroscuro,
         Moonlight bleeds all color from our bed,
         And I see only dark hair, light skin, bright eyes.
Every curve of your body limned by silver light,
         Every hollow a pool of moonshadow.
         My mouth roams over, kisses like fire.
         How can you not love this flesh?
“Beautiful,” but my words are muffled.

I catch your mouth for a hungry kiss,
         Smother your breath with desire,
         Wide-eyed you step back, suspicious.
“All I did was walk up the hall.”
         Flowing walk, hips swaying,
         Dainty feet and long strong legs.
         Not merely lust, I want to hold you.
“Beautiful,” murmured against your lips. “And mine.”

“Mine,” furtive whisper teasing your ear,
         Teeth nipping your neck,
         Hands roaming tenderly.
         “All mine, forever and ever.”
Your eyes wide, you cry out, startled,
         Agonizing ecstasy for you,
         Sweet satisfaction for me.
“Beautiful,” contented, and you look at me confused.

That questioning look, earnestly surprised,
         As I catch your face and rub noses
         Laughing with delight.
         “So pretty, my love, so very pretty.”
Your look says you think I’ve gone mad,
         But I was just captured by your face,
         Your hair, your throat, your shoulders,
         “I’m all grungy,” you complain.
“Beautiful,” I protest, looking at face and form.

You frown into a mirror, hold an eyeliner
         Like a sword, and charge toward beauty.
         I’d rather see you in the summer afternoon,
         Cut-off jeans, bare feet, hair wet.
All makeup gone, along with pretense,
         Smile friendly and not posed,
         Not worrying (for once!)
         How do I look? Just having fun.
“Beautiful,” and I snap the picture, “Lois washing the dog.”

Wishing I had a camera, you laughing with glee,
         Face painted by neon lights,
         The roar of the crowd vanishes as we swing
         Above everything, wind ruffling our hair.
Midnight Madness, popcorn, cotton candy,
         Your perfume, your lace-topped hose,
         Endless rides and throngs of people
         All of them see you, envy me,
“Beautiful,” they stop to look.

My Lois, you are stunning, your beauty arresting,
         In silken blouses and gypsy skirts,
         Tight blue jeans, warm soft sweaters,
         Even in uniform, with embarrassed face.
Best of all, clothed only in moonlight and kisses,
         For then I think you begin to believe me
         When I say with a heart full of love,
         And voice hushed by awe,
“Beautiful.”