Easter

He was mischief, plain and simple.

His eyes lidded slightly as he appraised the world around him

his hands relaxed and dirty beneath the nails

and his mouth generous and widened by his reckless grin.

A glint of excitement as he caught my gaze.

Laughter rose to his face

rearranging his impish expression

as he waited expectantly for me to come to him.

Languidly he motioned for me

and I took my seat beside him

absently enjoying his company, the smell of chlorine

and his dark sun drenched skin.

He caught my eyes, "Lauren."

"Bunny."

And I ran my hands trhough his hair and made it wild

His eyes closed and he rose to my touch.

While I watched him writhe at the pleasantry of my hands

rubbing circles around his ears

I reached into his pocket and stole his twelve dollars.

I hustled Bunny.

A tickle for a twelve.

He's never getting it back

and I'm sticking to that.

Lauren Hatch

September 19, 2007