Bonding

by Mark DeFoe

The work has been hot and dusty and hard.
Here, click beers while we rest on this good stump.

Grab this tossed rope and I’ll pull you ashore.
Let me slap your back while we grin and laugh.

Lie close here beside me and welcome my nearness.
Allow me to call you my beautiful girl.

Dance with me, tossing your long hair, letting
Me lead us in a graceful fandango.

Take this handshake, this pledge worth more than
Scratch on paper. We are simple creatures,

My arm round your quaking shoulders, our joy
at the solace of flesh on needy flesh.