an arm wrapped
around shoulders
or wrapped around
a waist
carrying the hurt one
out the door
loading up
leaving all
the work behind
at the drop of a foot
an ear turned
to a lover’s call
a cry for help
even if it
isn’t the first
a sandwich made
in the busy
a water bottle
filled by the bed
time carved out
to tend to a
lover’s list
even though hours
are too short
the rumble of breath
in the dead of night
comforting in its
familiarity
words whispered
in an ear
cutting through sleep
and warming
the one they meet
a book saved
from a plastic bag
and given during
need
a foot rub
or scalp massage
when sleep is
what’s needed
but it just won’t
come
a kiss
on the mouth
light and soft
and lovely
stolen in all
the silent moments
a flutter deep down
in the same place
it was all those
years before
this is how
you know
This is an excerpt from This is How You Know: a book of poetry. For more poetry, visit my starter library, where you can get some for free.
