Copyright 2004 R.D. Ellison

Peek In

Her armful unloads with a thud.

Ashley notes
her eyes,
dark-ringed,
her nose,
red-edged,
her clogged-up
perfunctionality -
"Well, good morning
to you too," backs Ashley -
Her head, buries
In a cocoon of arms.

Closes in, mind rapidly
Shifting through reserves.
Finds a dirty joke. Offers it.

Her face is hidden from behold
Only the skin about the eyes crinkles
Suddenly. Deeply.

And Ashley leans back satisfied.