The man lay on the blanket by the lake          The woman had entered its cold waters
where grass and black sand led                        beyond the sand into cratered depths
he watched her head and body dip                  she moved through lapping waves
through lapping waves floating                         his gaze was safety and serenity
glances gazes permitted                                      eyes could meet and space silence
their blankets side by side                                  he waited for her to emerge dripping   
she would return safely distant                         her curls relaxed in wet cascades   
safely distant but also bound                             lovely and to be cherished
their promises made it so and lovely               distance promised to ensure
that no touch was needed                                   that no touch was needed