The light casts shadows across your skin and plays with your hair as I watch from my desk chair. Not for the first time you have fallen asleep on the red velvet couch. I pray it will not be the last. I can’t help but to admire your loyalty and your strength for no other woman would put up with my eccentricities with half as much grace and love.
I lay my thoughts in ink as quick as my body will allow. I must be sadistic for I draw pleasure and torment from the same act. Is the situation any better if you are the one who fills my heart with passion, causes it to overflow to the pages before me. I am a slave to this chair when I would rather be holding you in my arms, gazing into your hazel eyes, and kissing your soft lips. It is a necessary burden I bear and I am glad it is our love which drives my pen across the blank pages than my sorrow. I wish to never experience a day without your presence by my side or the sound of your voice in my ear.
My muscles protest as I stretch my hand and glide my fingers across your cheek. Your eyes flutter gently as you lean into my touch. It takes but a single breath for you to open your eyes as I carry you. Through practiced maneuvers my body navigates the dark rooms and hallways of our home. The gentle blankets encompass us both as night promises to bring us another day.
I feel your body take refuge beside mine and I know it wont be long before sleep takes you once more. For me, it is a different story. I can already feel the voices inside of me whispering in an attempt to captivate my attention. I try to quiet them and they become silenced for a short time, long enough for me to close my eyes and dream. My last thoughts and image is of my love lying beside me wearing the beautiful mask of serenity.
Mile 29 