After Your Neighbor’s Wife Smiled At You

The scent of lavender exudes from your radiant skin,
draws me to the drifting waves of your knee-high
lawn. At risk of snakes, I’ll mow, no charge but
invite to dinner— Two days he’s away on business,
one night to have you in my arms. I dab dried
Lavandula buds to crook of your neck where
early morning you mist essential oils aromatic;
Aphroditic pair folded into molten chocolate batter—
While it bakes, you and I shall lick the spoon.

—Nortina