Golden Hours

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 wi...

It’s been two o'clock since I sat down, tracing the grain of this ancient, town-tasting bench. Hours gone, and still, the curve of the wood is pressed into my memory, shimmering behind my eyelids. I couldn't help myself; I carved my name right next to yours, as if that were enough. The sun cast down a dazzling blessing too grand to merely backdrop my whole life. Now, I just feel so foolish and hollowed out, like I've been scraped down to the studs. Like a home after the move, where the sun shines cruelly on the bare floorboards, and all you can see is the dust dancing in the empty spaces where everything used to belong. I filed my nails on the splintered green, watching the light decay. I held onto the color of that blush of the afternoon sky until it was nothing more than a bruise fading into the coming black. If you're going to arrive, it has to be now, under this golden light. I kept faith with the rustling leaves, just in case your shadow slipped through. I strained...

The wind howled like a wounded beast. We sat in silence on that old, creaky bench. For a moment, it was just us and the fading light. The only sound was the rhythmic ticking of the clock, marking the passage of time. The somber palette of gold and crimson painted the endless sky. Your eyes held a melancholic depth.    My gaze drifted towards the celestial expanse. "Do you think the stars feel lonely up there?" My voice was barely audible.   You squeezed my hand as you vowed to make our forever last. But even in your comforting touch, I sensed the underlying fear.   "Soon, we'll be separated."   Oh, darling, I wish I could freeze this moment, preserve it in a jar. No worries, no goodbyes, just us and the quiet. But I know that's impossible. Life marches on, relentlessly and indifferent to our desires. Like petals succumbing to the relentless autumn wind, it was destined to scatter and fade.   This creeping sense of unease settled over me. A sigh escaped my l...

I found myself standing across the pond, watching you. It was a familiar scene. The one we used to share so often. But now, it feels like a lifetime ago. As if the moment felt frozen in time and I was caught in a scene from a bygone era. You were there, laughing and playing with a child I'd never known. He was born long after our paths had diverged.  How could it be that so much time had passed? It felt like yesterday we were strolling through this very park. When our mirth mingled with the forest's song. The wildfire that used to burn brightly. But life had torn us apart, leaving a gaping hole in my heart.  Years have passed like leaves falling free. Washing away the vibrant hues of our passion. Each day I tried to paint over the empty spaces with new experiences, but the colors never seemed to blend quite right. Cause you're the missing piece that could never be complete. And as I watched you from afar, I realized that the pain has never truly gone away. It’s a constant c...