With You

by Michelle Wiegers

Summer draws them outside again tonight while you and I lay our lankiness down,

your long legs pressing against mine, as our children’s voices stream in

through the living room window. We hardly dare to speak,

not wanting to break apart these few minutes we are given.

Our breath slows its pace as the laughter of our little ones

soothes our bodies. Releasing thoughts of this week, we share

dreams for the coming ones. The breeze brings in the sweet scent

of grass blending with the sounds of their splashes, dancing

across our skin, loosening each muscle. The closeness of our bodies, completed

by their chorus of play as we exhale another day.

(Originally appeared in Healing the Divide: Poems of Kindness and Connection, edited by James Crews.)