Chelsea

Leaning against the wall in front of the hotel, they linger for hours, watching the late-comers, the one-night stands, couples in the city for the weekend. A prostitute across the street walks back and forth. They wonder which one is her john and which one is her pimp. They cling ever so softly to this fragile moment, afraid to disturb the delicate balance. She looks into his pale unlined face and wants this night to last forever. When the dark is almost gone, she leans to touch his cheek, takes his hand and leads him up to the room, to the waiting bed. They lie quietly, fully clothed. She holds him carefully, their mouths touch. Afraid to disturb the delicate balance, they kiss with eyes closed, without longing, for all she ever wanted is already there. Brackish light fills the room, they drift in dreamless sleep. And when he’s gone and the day is like a trance, she feels older but no wiser.