Imprints

by Richard King Perkins II

Copyright ©2026

immune to consequence—

we took no precautions.

She stripped off her flimsy summer garb

and laid back on the sheetless bed—

just an old mattress really

covered only in dust.

Though quite young, neither of us was inexperienced

and our sex was dually gratifying.

We sneaked from the tavern just before closing

leaving only a small stain

and a larger spot where the dust

had stuck to her sweaty backside.

All she took with her was a smearing of dirt

and a bit of extra wet warmth

while I left with something less certain.

A month passed and I had forgotten her name.

A year later, I could barely recall the previous August.

Ten years since, opening a sealed tavern

newly-inherited, I am wondering

what left these imprints—

noting a vague sense of loss

for a body of missing dust.

About Richard King Perkins II

Richard King Perkins II is a state-sponsored advocate for residents in long-term care facilities. He lives in Huntley, IL, with his wife, Vickie and daughter, Sage. He is a ten-time Pushcart, Best of the Net and Best of the Web nominee whose work has appeared in more than fifteen hundred publications including The Louisiana Review, Plainsongs, Texas Review, Hawai’i Review, Roanoke Review, Sugar House Review and The William and Mary Review. His poem “Grease Poet” was a prize winner of the Woodrow Hall award for enduring excellence. His poem "Nemesis” received the Songs of Eretz Editor's Choice award.