Snug

The curtains don't draw all the way
and light spills out at the edges
traced, sharp lines around windows
that welcome for her in this rain

Both feel older than they are
he from the longest hours
sat under harsh office strips
she from dancing
beaming
framed by stage spots

So, through the door
the soft yellow glow
filtered by the drawn linen
is a relief, a breath out

the flicker of the television
flitting across white walls
barely distracts

She's small enough
that the climb across and up onto him
- couch cushions warm, shifting under their weight -
takes time
and he pushes her hair aside as she sinks her head to his chest
moves his hand to her hip to balance her

They talk more than they need
perhaps because this shouldn't be enough
surely?
Heartbeats tapping out a safe rhythm
no thought of life outside the panes

There will be chores tonight
friends' melancholy and another drink
and his head with unlit fuses, as ever

But she shifts a little
and she is quiet and close
and he forgets himself