I HAVE KNOWN MALE SMELLS

I have known male smells
the sharp tang of sweat
he acrid biting odour of after-sex
the early morning heaviness
the chlorine-bleach smell of semen

Sharp, insistent, demanding scents

Now I learn my own scents
Soft pervasive woods-and-moss scents
musk and secrets
shadows and invitation

A very different world

Much
gentler

YOU

You
are Woman
You
are power
sheathed in softness
finely toned muscles
beneath velvet skin
clinging to me

You
are Woman
ripe scented and damp
enfolding me
holding me safe
your voice soft
in my ear
your breath warm
on my skin

There is safety in you
and nurturing

You renew me

You
are woman

DO YOU KNOW

Do you know
when you are lying with me
my hands on your bum, stroking,
my fingers teasing, exploring, entering,
Lips pressing
mouths fused
tongues touching
Do you know
what I mean
when I say
I Love You

Do you know
your nipples become pebbles under my palm
your belly softens
your thigh muscles tighten
your legs become rock hard, cling to me

Do you know
when I say
I Love You

I mean it

WHY

Why
do you trap your breasts
in nylon cages hide your nipples,
mask your body scent
with baby powder
and lock your
satin soft body
from sight or touch

Why
do you attack your body hair
with scissors
and razor
trim your bush
into submission
and flush the snippets
down the toilet

We
have lain together
soaked in sweat
on sheets rumpled and creased
by hours of love.
Then
as the storms receded
you noticed
your menstrual blood
on my fingers
and you were
appalled
because I was not,
and I do not
understand