at 2 a.m. I wake
in your arms,
watch you sleep
for a moment, before
I kiss you softly
reverently awake
and whisper,
"I have to go."

we walk downstairs
you stand across the room
I feel your eyes as I put on
my sneakers, tie the laces
securely, I look up at you
as I pull on my sweater

you stand, arms crossed, in a pair
of wrinkled, red plaid boxers
that I gave you
all sleepy-eyed, rumpled hair
smiling down at me

I'm overwhelmed
you are the most beautiful
I've ever seen

you ask me, "What?"
and I know if I tell you
you'll just turn it around
on me, say something like how
I'm the beautiful one

so I remain speechless
and smile back at you
as I open the door
step onto the porch
and into the quiet hum of night

04/12/2003

Posted on 04/12/2003
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