“And although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie with her or to be with her.” –Genesis 39.10

You came to my bed. Without a word
Drew back the linen sheet, silently
Entwined your arms around my neck.
And after long absence I knew again
The fragrance in your hair
Your body dark as ebony in the dusk-light.
My hand touched the softness of your breast.

Then, as we held each other, your lips
Whispered a name, not mine
The name of the Hebrew boy
With limbs like ivory. Now
We lie once more apart, backs to each other.
You sleep and I lie awake in darkness,
A darkness no sunrise can dispel.