The Demands

Make me a cup of steaming tea                

to warm my aching bones                        

and soothe                                              

my addled mind.                                       

Make me a bed of crisp linen                    

where I may lay my head                                

and dream                                              

in the cool night.                                       

Make me a full pot of tea                                   

that we may drink together                       

and speak                                               

of poetry.                                                 

Make me a bed of smooth satin                

where our bodies may move                     

as one                                                    

skin warmed by skin.