Regarded With Warmth Poem by Louise Tredoux

Rudi so sun-burnt, so bruised by
the stormy sea, a deep gash over
his eye, an arm in a sling, I can spoil
him to my heart’s content, apply lotion
and plaster, have him enjoy being
an invalid

Living a dream of intimacy, have him
follow me into the kitchen, prepare his
favourite dishes, playing house with him
in tow, somehow he is more lovable than
before, I feel like a new person, elated
and happy

Overjoyed by the responsibility, singing
as I work, to be regarded with the warmth
and softness of love; though he hobbled
from the boat - he made my heart
beat louder than before…