sitting in church

What is this silence
here between your words
that sings to me of love
or other nightmares
on the periphery?

As if some horrors
deserve a theme
and you are the one
to sing it to me

What is this darkness
that we embrace
like some secret mistress
pantiless in black lace
corsett and garters

As if taunting
with sex the trifle of our friendship
so carefully shaved
and exposed to the world.

Who are we
dear old friends
avowed
and affirmed

As bad dreams validated
by a deep red sun

Lovers? Friends?
Spouses?
or, alone.