Bold Patience

For all her flaws perceived. 

When she places her hand on mine— 

my breath catches before it slows, 

my eyelids grow heavy, then gently close, 

my mind glows with infinite light, 

I 

    am

          happy. 

(He says he’s happy, Jackie.) 

For all my flaws perceived. 

A phantom hand, softly placed on mine— 

my breath stalls between weary thoughts, 

my eyes glaze, then fix to the distance, 

my mind burns with restless embers. 

I 

    miss 

           her.