Cool Tile

Just the steam from the kettle and the soft glow on the glass, washing away the memory of rain. It's the first poetry of my day, and I lean into it, letting the mist settle on my skin like a benediction. I stand in the doorway, my favorite cashmere tight around me, waiting for you to heed the call. And the shadows retreat from the floor as you appear, babe. Bare feet on cool tile, your smile truly like a small sun pushing all the dark corners out of the room. It isn't a blinding light; still, it pulls the air right out of my lungs, even after all this time. Like you turn on the light in the whole world, just for me. 

Seeing you in that worn-in shirt, with your hair still tousled from sleep, is a sight I know by heart, but still, my breath hitches just a little. The sun crested as I finally arrived at your side, dear. You're the beautiful terrain of my soul.

The toast is waiting on the counter, and your laughter rings out like a crystal chime. We were just standing by the window, watching a sparrow on the railing singing of the swift departure of the night. The scrape of a wooden spoon against the porcelain of the sugar bowl, the melodic clink of the ceramic mugs. And the way you patiently stir your coffee until the final whorl dissolves.

When the sun caught your hair, twisting those tiny braids of silver light into the darkness, it seemed like a shining leash—binding you to this hour and tethering you, beautifully, to me. I simply can't explain why the illumination in this kitchen always touches me with such depth. It made my heart ache in the sweetest way.

And we held the morning in the light of our eyes. For one long breathless moment, we defeat time by choosing to belong entirely to each other. I wish we could just stay right there for just a moment longer. With our fingers laced, your palms are so perfectly warm to melt the chill right out of my hands. Hold me close, darling; hold me long and forever. Make this feeling last. Your heartbeat is the only song I ever truly need to hear. You said the world is spinning too fast to catch hold of anything real. But you're the harbor where I rest. I didn’t say it out loud, but I hope you know.

I remember thinking love was what the poets put us under. All I wanted was the hero who swept me off my feet, the kind of romance that looked good in a movie trailer. And I got you. You're my hero. But your magnificent strength isn't in slaying dragons; it's in the absolute way you choose me every morning. It's the flour on your fingertips from a late-night craving and the way you find the little dip right behind my ear with your lips, just to say, "I'm here, I love you." I track the tiny scar above your wrist. These marks are more precious than any jewel.

Love didn't crash into my life; it blossomed and unfurled, much like delicate ivy clinging to a sun-warmed stone wall. We are two separate stars in the velvet sky, yet our orbits have aligned in a breathtaking synchronization. Darling, I pray I never lose the imprint of your warmth upon my soul. Keep that precious light tender, my love. Keep this moment sacred and whole, and let us seal this vow forever.

I can sense the frantic current that's sown in every passing breath, stitched into those moments where time refuses to stay still and rest with me: the battles I planned to wage and tides I had to turn. The tiny bird that knits the endless air is just the speed I wish to pause and stop. Sometimes, it’s like I’m dancing through a day that has no sunset. But you stand in wisdom like a pillar against the breaking blue, while fear falls silent when the coffee grounds drop. The cool stone of the morning tile surrenders to your feet. I watch the dew disappear and release myself from the driven pace I’ve been handed. The finish line isn't going anywhere. Oh, to steal the precious minutes whole, before they take their bow. I only wish to hold this breath and only live right now.

The warmth. The heartbeat. It’s my anchor. I want to hold onto the gold.

You put my whole hand against your bare chest. I truly believed it when you said, "We belong right here." You’re already thinking of the day ahead, but I find myself quietly pleading for the hours to waste away. I wish I could gather up every glittering particle of this moment, every grain of light, and every drop of coffee smell and keep it safe inside a small box. Because if time flies like that bird outside the window, I need a safe place to land. And thank heavens, you're always there with your arms open, ready to catch me.

And when I feel the needle prickling at my skin, I just need to reach in. I’ll pull out the memory of your breath on my neck. I'll keep this dawn in my pocket, dear love, tucked near my heart.

I love this life. I’m in love with you and the beautiful 'ordinary' of us. I'll try to carry it with me through any gray. If storms come later or the night gets heavy, I’ll bring you back to this dawn, where every morning is you.