up before noon

she put her hand out

to shake

mine. the deal done.

it was a limp soft hand,

not unlike

that of a cat's paw,

almost boneless, but

warm and soft

just the same.

i shook it gently so

as not hurt her, though

she was a grown woman

with lots of lipstick

and jeans she seemed

to have painted on.

we'll work together

again soon, she said.

my husband will be out

of town next month.

so many other rooms

to paint or paper.

you can start early

if you want, i'm usually

up before noon.