Breath.

I used to hold my thumb

Just beneath your nose

To feel your soft, warm breath

Going in

Going out.

Place my palm on your belly

Watch it moving subtly up

Then down again.

I would shoot up in the night

Perform this routine

With you right next to me.

Now I gently turn the knob

Open the old, creaking door

Knowing the noise won’t wake you.

I do this most every night

Watch your peaceful face

So big in your big bed.

Analyze your flushed, full cheeks

See the sheet rise, then lower

With your every breath.

You may never know

Just how precious you are

To me.

It is a quiet & brief moment

Thank you, God

Thank you.