Love

the warm light of dawn
eases in through the curtains
and kisses your cheek
–
early light-
a gentle kiss on
your sleeping head

the hours before dawn
I wake to your skin on mine
under the duvet
–
winter’s breath-
maple leaves
under fresh snow

at the old stone well
I peer into the darkness
looking back at me
–
moss covered stone-
I dip my bowl into
the well of souls

the wan morning light-
wrapped up in your nakedness
unwilling to move
–
your damp hair-
for now I’m
the big spoon

empty wine bottles-
binging our favorite series
into the wee hours
–
dying embers-
our feet under
the afghan

the clouds and your eyes-
my head in your lap amid
a field of daisies
–
a dry vase-
tired blooms
bow their heads

this fight is over
and yet I find myself still
walking on eggshells
–
fallen trees-
we drive home
in silence

the tv on low-
your breathing slows as you fall
asleep on my chest
–
the risen moon-
soft cries heard
as you fight sleep

well after midnight
christmas eve fire in the hearth
burning down to ash
–
a warm hearth-
ashes mix with
the falling snow

twisted hotel sheets
warm champagne and melted ice
left for housekeeping
–
an open window-
our naked skin
in the noonday sun