(Interior, Edgar Degas, 1868-1869)

Forgotten Woman

Laying next to him

Wanting him to reach out

A touch is all she is seeking

No enrapture expected

Not Anymore

A mere necessity she has become

A fulfillment of duty

His possession of title

Ownership of her being

To grab and poke

As if the person inside was of no consequence

And yet she still comes to him

Seeking a connection to her being

A recognition of her worthiness

When will she learn

Surrounded only by the cold arms of the dark

She is but a comfort now

An image of the expected

Her desires inconsequential

Laying next to him

Wanting him to reach out

A touch is all she is seeking