The Falling Mistress

Her eyes opened and gazed at the stars
As her head lay upon the silken pillow case.
The moonlight shone across her milky skin
And her lover stirred beside her.

The affair had gone on since they met
In a random encounter at the coffee shop
Down the street and around the corner from
His job, and they had kept in touch.

He was young, and ambitious, much like she,
But had much to learn.
Nothing pressing, so much as... helpful,
Beneficial to his health, and hers.

She knew it was only a matter of time
Before she would have to break it off,
For he was married, with three boys,
About to have a fourth child with her.

But what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him
And she would go back to the street,
Falling asleep on the silken pillow case
That he had given her for her birthday.

He rolled and grasped her shoulder, whispering
Those soft, sweet, corny nothings
The ones that always seemed to come with the lies
And the betrayal, and she turned her head toward him.

'We need to talk,' whispered the falling girl,
It hurt to do this, but she couldn't keep it up.
'We can't do this anymore, I can't.
'And I certainly won't make you choose between your lover and your family.'

He stared and she knew that he'd been afraid
Afraid of hearing those words
And he sighed, asking if there was any way
That she might be able to stay.

But the way I saw it, my stay was up,
And the big mistakes I'd made
Would be a blessing that I, myself,
Had to be thankful for alone.