hush

i wake before my eyes do
to your presence at my side
your breath reassuring on my neck

   slow and even, still and steady

your strength hugs me close, even in stillness
and i struggle to make this all an imprint
in the dark behind my eyes
in the space between slumber and awake
recall your scent - it feels at once of home & heartache

before your eyes snap open
and we'll retreat again to our respective sides of
this stubborn wall that looms between us

   smooth and even, still and steady