finishing the chapter i reach

for the bookmark you bought me

over the years i have had many

you always know when i need a new one

well i remember the scolding i received

when we were just nestlings

folding the corner of a page

was an offense to your sensibilities

one does not fold the corner of the page
one leaves a book pristine for the next guest

looking over at you, slumber has claimed you

those early years sometimes come to mind

as i look at you lost in sleep

enchanted i am

we found each other in the ashes

of what life had given us

in those eyes i found gravity
earth claiming it's full moon

i could see the Phoenix therein

each step we took relearning trust

we were gentle winds escaping a conflagration 

love has brought us here

the bookmark slides into the pages

placed upon the nightstand

turn onto my side

slip my arm around you

bury my face into your hair

let go of the day

i knew the first time 

i looked into your eyes

no matter the amount of time and patience
there was no price too great

my reward in this life

would be sleeping next to you

1/26/19