I stepped into the room late last night

Because late is the time i keep

You were sleeping warm as coal

In a pocket of comfort and white sheets



But you don't startle anymore when i step into the room

Though the hour is later than midnight

And neither window can place a moon.



"i missed you," you say

And it sounds like a promise

When whispered half asleep

Your skin still damp with sweat

From thoughts your dreams refused to keep



I follow my memory to a switch on a light

"shut your eyes" my voice cut short

When darkness turns bright



"do you love me?" you say

But love is too familiar a word

For in this bed 10,000 times a phrase already heard

But, "yes, i love you" speaks my reply

Though i know i failed myself and you for not

Matching how i feel with words of higher wealth



I know its lonely in the world tonight

Because here is more than what's deserved

And the imbalance can't be summed in black and white

Cause "love's" too familiar a word.


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