Apple girl

– I’m learning your language.
She says
I turn my head to the floor-space in-front of the couch
– I know what your facial expressions mean you know.
A glass of wine in her hand
A glass in mine
The chatter of the people is like wildlife
Like varied species of birds
— I have a language?
I respond
– Indeed you do, and I’m learning it
But it isn’t all play
It’s a tone of voice I’ve never heard
Suspicion
Seduction
— Why?
I ask
She stares
– So I can protect myself from you,
I raise my eyebrows
– and so that I can love you.
I blink
She lifts her glass of wine towards me
Then lowers it and drinks