I stepped into the room late last night

Because late is the time I keep

You were sleeping warm as coal

In a pocket of comfort and white sheets



But you dont startle anymore when I step into the room

Though the hour is later than midnight

And neither window can place a moon.



"i missed you," you say

And it sounds like a promise

When whispered half asleep

Your skin still damp with sweat

From thoughts your dreams refused to keep



I follow my memory to a switch on a light

"shut your eyes" my voice cut short

When darkness turns bright



"do you love me? " you say

But love is too familiar a word

For in this bed 10,000 times a phrase already heard

But, "yes, I love you" speaks my reply

Though I know I failed myself and you for not

Matching how I feel with words of higher wealth



I know its lonely in the world tonight

Because here is more than whats deserved

And the imbalance cant be summed in black and white

Cause "loves" too familiar a word.