Illicit Affair

She held onto it

like a breath

jealousy and innocence

guardians

of a secret

splendidly silent

she stashed it away

a prized token.

And in moments

of weakness

she'd unfold

its papery prison

tempation the harness

she'd wonder at its

glittering charm

the evil joys

it promised.

And suddenly almost guiltily

she'd cover it again

for isn't a memory

best left where it began?