Laynie Cooper

Unarmed Love

The first strike was crystal clear even though it took me by surprise -

every minute, second, millisecond, that followed was as blindingly bright as the moment I met him.

Snake.

Charmer.

Handsome, quiet, shy, disarmer.

Smoother than a greased wheel.

His blows were graceful and rhythmic.

Each time his oversized limbs made contact with my face and body he seemed to become more aroused and alive.

My squeals and moans only soothed his angry fists.

With every punch he grew stronger and I shrank

into knots of nothing,

outside and in.

And then it happened - 

The dance was done and he had won.