i am lotus

He shifts his weight
And moves on

From miles away
He says he loves me
I say it back
Then he moves on

It’s quiet at night
So much emptiness to fill
With nothing

For a spell
He returns

I stand in the kitchen
Like a cliche
I balance on heels, making dinner

Laughter floats in waves
Through the house
Echoing off the walls
Like bouncing balloons

It swells and ebbs
It rolls back and forth
Like tickle fights

There’s football on TV
My feet find comfort
His hands find my back

Our bed is warm again, briefly

Then he shifts his weight
Says he loves me
And moves on again

Takes his music and goes

Alone, in the quiet night
I can remember the melody
And hum it myself

We stay behind
Hold it down
Occupy our time

Here and there

We shift
and wait.