At first they indulged
in bouts of banter
with a strong element
of flirtation

Then the direction changed
into something a little more serious
Duty and morality emblazoned
on both consciences
brought this galloping dalliance
to a halt suddenly in a cloud of dust

Now that it has settled
and the waters are as still
as a mill pond
all memory of it has faded
with just ripples from the wind
time to time