i had a dream of us
aged like the finest wine,
one comes to the other
looking for the knowing glances
and careful smiles

underneath all of
the time we spent apart
lays a love so untouched
and so bright
it may blind us both

Today, a
Simple day
To wake with
Someone gentle
And sweet, who
I will be
Extra quiet
For when I
Zip my things.
Fluttering
In and out
Of sleep, I
Can’t predict
When you’ll speak.

             “Are you going on a walk?”
                             “Not yet, darling.”

But I leave
Before you
Rise because
Yesterday,
You held me
When I cried
And looked at
Me in a
Way that pulled
Me towards you,
Wondering
When I will
Stop burning
With such shame.

But I, ever-miss
Touche-à-tout, have
Never steadied
A decision
And can only
Look away, fear
Of what I’d do.
Oh, but today
You told me you
Dreamt of kissing.

A vague and hazy
Something to remind
Me not to tell you
That I dreamt the same.

The years had brought me here.
It has been a far walk.
But it’s time I took a breather.
Just to muster a look back.

Many were shed along the way.
Perhaps met with many a forked path.
Or simply that the ticks of the hands
had decided different for them.

I’d dug deep,
and I’d seen you…
Amongst several others.

Making your mark
at every checkpoint.

I haven’t been alone.
And I’ll never be…

As long as you’re here,
making these marks with me.

May our verses sow seeds of kindness and care.

And let compassion be a reward we all can share.