You never knew

You never knew,

when you have gently pressed

lips on my closed eyes

before you left the bed

on one chilly December morn,

that I was awake.

You never knew

that I have rolled over

to the place

where you slept

to feel feminine warmth

diffused in the smell

of herbal oil.

You never knew,

When you re-entered

After bathing

Your wet hair dripping

And when I kissed

Your lips icy cool

Mildly sweet as

Arrow- root pudding,

That I forgot the temptation

For steaming tea

Spilling over the cup

Held in your hand.