An embrace,

Tender,

And a

Sigh of relief

and contentment.

Repudiation,

Just a fever dream

Of an alternate reality

The brush of a cheek.

Kiss of a forehead.

And a squeeze

That says

Don’t ever let go.

Don’t you dare let go.

Warmth

Consistency

Presence

Safety

The jarring alarm

The realization of morning

And the absent-minded arm

flung across body.

A silent request

To stay.

Don’t leave.

Not yet,

Just a little longer,

To bask in closeness,

Peace, and

The quiet bliss.