MARRIAGE

by Sharon Auberle

Nocebo: I will harm

I will harm you

by the silence

that may fill our rooms

silence more enormous

than a star.

I will harm you

by not seeing

you--across the table from me

or your arms, silvered

by moonlight, reaching out.

These will hurt you more

than the piercing blades

of words thoughtlessly

hurled in anger.

I will harm you most

by rendering you invisible.

I will please you

with my breath, warm

on the curve of your neck,

with the respectful intake

of your words into my heart.

I will please you with my eyes

my touch, my fragrance, my taste

as you have pleased me.

I will please you with all

this body, blood and bones.

I do not mean to harm you, ever,

yet—in love—it is inevitable

that I will.

~ first published in Fox Cry Review