In The Event This Doesn't Fall Apart

by Shannon Lee Barry

“What are you doing to me?” you say, “you know I’ll go wherever you ask me to.”

I do know. But knowing and hearing you say it are two different things.

perfect moments that we let pass us by.

“I think... I want you to kiss me when you can’t stand the idea of not kissing me any longer.”

I watch for you to look back but you don’t.

You feel like something I could count on.

“come home with me,”

(I want you more than I can stand.)

But I saw when you set me down: my heart stayed in your hands.

Your forehead up against mine and your breath in between us and being that close to you is enough. It is safe.

It feels like coming home.