afternoons

Understand, I'll slip quietly
Away from the noisy crowd
When I see the pale
Stars rising, blooming over the oaks
I'll pursue solitary pathways
Through the pale twilit meadows,
With only this one dream:
You come too.

-Rainer Maria Rilke

When I come home - at first alone - the kitchen solely keeps me. 

I made falafels and stuffed them in whole wheat pitas with arugula and a yogurt dressing

the smell of garlic and olive oil filling the air.

I waited for you in the window seat

and our tree house held its breath in silent still anticipation, waiting for your return.

Your steady walk toward me - eyes locked on mine - sending chill bumps down my spine.

There were three white lilies resting in your chair

and now it really doesn't matter what happened the many hours before or where.

What a relief it was to follow you around the room as you shed the weight of your day -

first your tie and then your shoes.

And I wanted to cast it all away

and tell you it would be ok

because I love you 

"even when skies are gray."

And with you there my spirit soars -

you brighten my every day.

photograph by amber