looking past

***

A strip

of untanned skin

above his swim trunks.

One hand

on the chain

around his neck.

The other

holding

a book open.

He doesn't notice

her setting down

two cocktails

on the small table

between

their loungers.



***

He folded

into the water.

A brief

burst

of white.

His back

gone

before the ripples.

When he surfaced,

he ran a hand

through his hair,

slowly.



***

She watches

him come ashore.

Waiting

to ask

if he'd like

to go for a ride

or back

to the room.

I wonder

if she sees

what I see.



***

He bent

for the towel.

The line

of his inner thigh.

Salt water

running

down his legs.

I shifted

on the lounger,

looked

back

at the sea.

My heartbeat

had reached

my throat.



***

Dry sand

falling

across his thighs.

He stayed still.

Sometimes

I couldn't tell

whether

he was looking

at me

or past me.



***

I lay

on my stomach,

facing the sea.

He took off

his sunglasses,

his ring.

Left it

beside the towel

and walked

into the water.

I kept

mine on.

I waited

a little longer

before standing.