Paul embraced Lori
like old friends instead of lovers.
The hug was a loose fit.
Lori nearly fell backward out of the hug.
She nearly fell forward into Paul.
She held him tighter to steady herself.
Paul noticed Lori’s balancing act.
He marveled at human intricacies
as she displayed constellations
in her night eyes.
Lori’s dog barked once at them
then curled (nose under tale)
in her spot by the hearth
just outside the farthest singe mark.
copyright © 2022 Kenneth P. Gurney
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