The Staff of Life

By Thomas Elson

On Still Life with Cheeses, Artichoke, and Cherries – Clara Peeters  1621

Back straight, head adjusted, fingers of right hand encircled, raised to right eye and examines –

Partially hidden artist’s signature. Cherries ripe and spread apart, artichoke erect. However, the staff of life under a plate hidden from its vital role in the vibrancy of life – retreating rather than embracing life’s ultimate purpose. Bread, if not consumed molds; butter, if unused, grows rancid – better to consume robustly with your well-endowed and well-exposed companion whose hair frames face and shoulders. Whose ankles caress your calf creating the same rise as when bare shoulders first touched. Uncover and expose bread mounds, hear the soft maiden sound, feel the warmth, inhale yeasty mist rising. Then, as if fondling softness, tenderly touch butter to curves and cervices as it oozes into unknown indentations and tender rises. A hand, slightly open, ascends to lips as gentle heat strokes tongue, flows onto taste buds, lingers, then, on its own, sidles toward your left cheek, snuggles closer. Moistness savored. Sensuousness entwined. Lustiness grasped. And you floating half-lost, consumed with a zeal that will exhaust the night.

Thomas Elson’s stories have appeared in New Writing Scotland, Short Édition, New Ulster, Lampeter, Mad Swirl, Blink-Ink, and Adelaide. Moria nominated him for the Pushcart Prize.