milonga
he holds her
the arch of her back, her heart
in the palm of his hand
they stand
barely moving
she gives him leave
to proceed
they sway
the reach of his leg
the wīnd of her arm
as it curves
in that manner
peculiar to the embrace
the cross of her feet
the twist of his hips
all this anticipated
with great consideration
and then the music
begins
(written 1 september 2019)