eye bolts are in the ceiling
visible to the naked eye
eye bolts two of them
round and strong and heavy
screwed into heavy wooded beams
two chains
hang from the eye bolts
thick metal chains
metal clamps on either end
cold to the look and touch
a three foot bar
attached to the chains and clamps
a cold metal bar
trapeze-like suspended in the air
its presence is surreal
thick straps
on either end
of the cold metal bar
leather straps with big snaps
strong black leather straps
a deep brown leather chair
in one corner of the room
it has an old world smell
deep cushions with leather arms
the leather moans with movement
on the leather footstool is a blanket
wool plaid and warm
tossed loosely across the footstool
ready to be used for comfort
to wrap around the shivering body
a small wooden table is next to the chair
three candles are lit but there are more
a silver ashtray with cigarette box
a coaster for the crystal snifter
a leather-bound book of favorite poems
someone is sitting in the chair
sipping on a glass of cognac
legs crossed to reveal
black leather boots with silver tips
a leather whip rests across the lap
a woman is in the room
arms held high above her head
wrists slipped inside
the tight leather straps
her body is fully exposed
she is draped with white chiffon
as if the material were a snake
winding its way around her body
her eyes wide open
as she takes in the room
the fire in the stone fireplace
illuminates her body
she stretches to keep her balance
standing tiptoed
she does as she is told
“Pet, you please me,” the voice whispers to her.
“Thank you, Sir,” she whispers back.
© Catherine Evermore. All rights reserved.