THAW by Maria Cecilia Pelayo

There was a time 

When she couldn’t see

Past tequila and lime.

Past the end of the bar 

or reflections off glass

God—she knew they’d leave a scar.

Knew and didn’t care

Knew and didn’t dare

To think it could be different. 

To think it could be good

Or entertain the thought

That she ought to be wooed. 

Ought to be treated right,

To be gently kissed goodnight

By someone who made her feel bright. 

No, she’d never thought like that,

Never thought she wanted more

Than nights that started high and then fell flat.

But she did, and he saw

Her heart was cold 

And he wanted it to thaw.

So he took his fire, the one in his chest

And he warmed her until she melted 

Under those hands that knew her best.