Jus Primae Noctis

He began speaking apologies
before she had opened her door.
It was safer that way, to have had something to say
at the moment when Fate chose its course.
Both of them stood there expectantly,
betrayed by an innocent gift.
He had cornered himself with the roses he held
and he cursed her hands hung so sweetly
by their thorns.
But it made him feel real,
like the present was meant to be lived
and the past could stay hidden for now,
while the moment tastes good.
The carpet was begging for alibis
and the bed was just wishing for sleep,
but the longer he stayed,
the more motives she claimed,
like possession had always been hers.
Before he could speak she had toppled him,
forcing his mouth onto hers.
Then the guilt it did spill
'til her mouth it was filled
and she choked on the blame that came forth
as it poured.
But his venom was curative
and it made her awake from her dream
just as he fell asleep again.
How else could it end?
Shaking hands? Staying friends?
Parting ways leaves our sins
covered up and uncleansed.