waiting.

[and_then_i_nod]

you might tell me i went the wrong way. you might say i missed my exit and drove into trenton like it was a mistake. you might say that's not west, and right here isn't where i'm supposed to be. but i can assure you, as her heavy eyes carried her safely into dreams, and my heavy eyes fought with me until i gave in and pulled over in a small town with one single lamp post in a deserted gas station, i went the right way. i was right where i was supposed to be. sometimes the wrong road is really the road i'd been waiting to take all along. because alone with her in that car was the first time i gave myself permission to cry without shame or guilt or fear. alone with her in that car was the only place i was meant to be that night.

and we strolled. almost in such a way that i anticipated movie music to be playing in the background and audience members to begin to sob with joy. couples would squeeze the hand of their loved one. kids would share their popcorn. elderly men would help their wives put on their winter coats. it was almost instantaneous. i took one step out of the car and decided this was my new home. she is my new life. and we strolled for hours, breathing in our new life, inhaling our love through kisses, and joining through tightly clasped hands. the kids playing in the park will one day be ours. the pups chasing balls will one day be ours. the streets we walked will one day be ours. the mutual love that we have for each other is ours. she is my life and i cry with joy every day.