256
PARTISAN REVIEW
Of course there is no danger. The engines are on; they are bringing
the people back to the dock. The sails have the weight of wood. There
is no danger. She is all right. She is just a little girl. She is with her
mother and father . They are on vacation . They are cruising around
the island with other tourists. Her father has planned an excursion for
each day of their vacation. Now they are almost home . No one is
behaving recklessly. People sit quietly on the boat or move about
measuredly, collecting tackle or coiling lines or helping children into
their sweaters.
Jenny sees the man waiting on the dock. The boat's engines
whine higher as the boat is backed up , as it bumps softly against the
canvas wrapped pilings . The horrid machine whines higher and
higher. She steps off into his arms.
He kisses her as he might another. She finds him rough, hurtful
at first, but then his handling of her becomes more gentle, more sure
in the knowledge that she is willing.
His tongue moves deeply, achingly in her mouth . His loving be–
comes autonomous now.
It
becomes, at last, complete .
