Liquid Slumber

Christine Alindada graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 2003. She wrote this poem for the Seniors’ Folio of Heights, the literary publication-organization of Ateneo. In this poem, the persona remembers moments that he shared with his wife throughout their marriage. Having gone through a lot being wedlock, he expresses how appreciative he is to be with his wife and to be the father of her children. This poem strikes a chord in me because I admire how the persona is still able maintain a strong and passionate relationship with his wife despite having gone through turbulent times with each other.

Victoria Hernandez

Liquid Slumber
Christine Alindada

I am watching you sleep, unclothed,
As we have begun to do again,
After the kids have stopped
climbing into the bed with us, afraid
Of the dark and its attendant monsters.

I remember the night we first came
Together.
The sound of the pounding waves
A beautiful counter-rhythm to ours,

Scent of sea and salt mingling with desire.
Beneath the stars you had lain
In the same manner,
Back facing me, inviting me
To mold my body to yours.

This adventure we've embarked upon
Has left many marks on you,
Yet the more your body changes
The more familiar it becomes.
I see some silvering in your temples
And remember how you used to tease me about mine,
Eyes twinkling like a littile girl's.
You don't know how much I love
To put my arms around you, and feel
The weight of your breasts
In my hands or else caress
The endearing curve of your belly.
In the lamplight, striations
That evidence the waxing and waning
Of your pregancies seem faint,
Yet I know where and how
They are written across your skin
The way our feet know the pine-covered
forest trails that await our morning footfalls.
Your legs have grown more gracefully muscular
Having climbed many mountains with me.
I relish their strength when they
wrap themselves around my hips, the sweet
slit between them a seemingly silent stream,
that swells and rages
like a Nordic river when the mountain snow melts.

Tonight in my dreams I will see you,
My beach princess, who will dance me a Samba,
Red sari boldly flying in the sea breeze.

Source: Heights Seniors' Folio 2003