Solitude of Two

Peter Kaczmarczyk

My favorite time

No sound but the distant hum of the interstate 

The early rising birds

They are fewer this winter it seems

Perhaps the mild weather

Or a fear of the coming year

The storm they say is getting near

I love this time alone

The aches of a restless sleep fading away

Solitude before the duties of the day

Retirement close enough to taste

But as yet years away

You still sleep but I think I hear a stirring

I sneak a cigarette

You’ll smell it but will not say a word

As long as the coffee is ready to pour

I’m at peace but still wait eagerly

For you to step onto the porch

Wearing the robe I bought you years ago

I still love how it never seems to close tight

Even in the cold you let it hang that way

Reminding me of the flesh I still desire to touch

Saying not a word you emerge 

Sit gently down on the gliding metal bench

Decked in cushions as faded as we are

With tenderness you rest your hand upon mine

Listen for the birds

Join me in the most beautiful thing

The pleasure and peace of the solitude of two