Ginger hot against those tiny taste buds that hold tightly to my tongue

My laugh boisterous echoing against dinner plates

Our fingers suddenly laced as your thumb dances with mine

Such the sensory experience of seeing you, knowing you

Smells of spices taking host in my nose

But I can still smell your fragrance on my dress

Cheeks flushed from cheap dinner wine

And maybe even from my bashfulness

Bellies round and too full only softened 

By the telling of our stories way past removed plates 

Muggy summer heat makes us both glisten

Under the yellow bulbs

Your smile ever slightly softens

As you stare deeper into me

Past the surface and to my soul