glows softly,
an elusive butterfly
in the afternoon warmth,
naive and weightless,
unknowingly vulnerable.
It lights your face,
your smile so genuine
I can barely breathe.

I’m consumed by your presence,
calming, familiar
in its tenderness,
its subdued innocence.
You notice
and come to me,
softly, surely.

As in a dream
we touch as lovers.

Sensing you fade,
I touch your arm, your thigh,
your slow breath
and faint heartbeat
rhythmic souvenirs
as your thoughts recede
to a safe and peaceful place
I cannot know.

I close my eyes,
gently lest I startle you.

I fear you’ll leave.
A false move,
an ill-considered word
and you'll flit away,
shared innocence forever lost.
How foolish am I
to presume such influence over
a simple pause in your journey?

I don’t move my hand
hoping never to lose
the fragile ephemeral touch
that connects us,
yet content with
one more magical moment
frozen forever
in time.