our evening walk

[just_below]

though I can't see you, I can feel you there
just outside the edge, just along the peripheral
waiting, eyes dancing, sly smile gracing your lips

I can smell you in the lingering aftertaste
of the cool autumn breeze that chills as it comforts,
brings back thoughs of when

though I know you not, I can always feel you walking at my side
in those maroon moments of almost-night
you creep from behind and seat-belt your arms around my waist,
hold me close and I smile.

we stroll side by side, wrapped in long scarves tangled with fallen leaves
and we play hide and seek in our heads while sitting in a bright field.

you laugh when I smile and ruffle my hair when I frown
you tenderly comfort me at night with soft whispers of perseverance and providence;
beat back the dark and create our own light

I can feel you there, just beside the me beside myself
holding my hand, lifting it up, and lightly kissing it
before we continue our evening walk.

"hush hush," you say
"even though you can't see me, I'm here"

and I smile, say "I know you are," and close my eyes once again.

~*~