The Encounter (poem)

From 'The Triumph of Achilles' (1985)

The Encounter
by Louise Glück

You came to the side of the bed
and sat staring at me.
Then you kissed me–I felt
hot wax on my forehead. 
I wanted it to leave a mark:
that’s how I knew I loved you.
Because I wanted to be burned, stamped,
to have something in the end—
I drew the gown over my head;
a red flush covered my face and shoulders.
It will run its course, the course of fire,
setting a cold coin on the forehead, between the eyes.
You lay beside me; your hand moved over my face
as though you had felt it also—
you must have known, then, how I wanted you.
We will always know that, you and I.
The proof will be my body.