it happens when you least expect it
the grief you fall asleep clutching
slips.

i had this dream where I was falling
arms flailing
reaching for something
to catch me.

my body twitches awake
and i feel your arms
tighten
pulling me closer.

and it feels like spitting up water
after nearly drowning beneath the sea.
like my lungs never worked without a forethought.
like being alive for the first time.