knowing he may be utterly consumed by his great love
he prepares the food thoughtfully
and in serving, stands well back
observing her replete, relaxed
he sets out cautiously
drawn along the twin-tight, steel-eyed gossamers of
lust and fear
plucking love songs as he goes
in heart-stop hopes
his identity (lover rather than dessert)
is unequivocally clear
only then he begins
to tip-tongue his way
past her teeth