***
we’re so close that i can
hear his breathing. slow
purposeful breaths that
go deep into the pit
of his stomach.
he says he doesn’t feel
fear because of the calm
he breathes deep into his soul.
i wish i could tape record
his breaths and play them
at night when i cry so hard
that the air can’t get pass my
throat. the sound of his breaths
could stroke me over and over
until we’re one and the same
and i realize life is similar
to breathing: a continuous
cycle of loss and gain.
–lissa
