Acknowledgment

.

Sitting on a couch...............................
Djuturna and Pahn................
.........turned toward each other
their bodies pushed together
they speak softly .......like clothing
that slides against their skin
and they can feel each other’s contours
sinking into his davenport nest

and he says...........................................................

“I would like to make love to you
but I don’t know if I should”

and she...............................................................

“I know .....I am in the same position
with a husband ..and children ........but sometimes
we have to do it anyway”

He is glad of how she feels...............................
.........................and imagines the joy

but his father comes in
and they all lie with his family
and talk about how they feel..
......and after hearing Pahn’s mother’s voice
..................Djuturna retires to her bedroom
and wonders aloud................................

“should I leave my door open for you?”

Pahn says.............................................................

“yes”

but she is concerned about the children

A relative’s child comes in ...and shuts
all the doors ...and Pahn
........................................must return
.................................................................to his sleeping couch
............................still thinking
he may
.........love her
..........soon
...................lying
.........................................somewhere…


…Together
at the dinner table
with his mother
................and father ...and
.................................................other members of his family

he explains to Djuturna...........................
and sometimes ...........apologizes..
for his family’s................
customs.........