If it takes 11 messages
To get 10 "seens"
Picking up your phone 9 times
Talking to 8 friends
With 7 telling you to forget it
But 6 thoughts run in your head
And 5 are pretty good ones
I'd think 4 words
Regret it maybe 3 times
But after 2 deep breaths
I'd take that 1 good chance
And say,

"Maybe we could work"

And by "we," I meant the 2 of us.
We'll count to 3, and the  we'll be
Happier and louder than the 4th of July.
Our hands meet; ten fingers become 5,
After 6, the sky is bleak
But we have 7 more hours to sleep.

By 8, we have coffee and conversation
And you leave me after 9 train stations
I ride alone for 10 more minutes
You've already left 11 new messages
I called you and you pick up at the 12th ring

I said, "come home," and I hear you crying

So maybe we go round gain
Here and there, tying knots and ends
For if a countdown ever would be
I wish the best for you and me

Because numbers are there
So things may seem fair
But truth is, no matter the stage
It is with you I'd like to age

This is fine, for me at least
Nothing can harm me, I'm stable by the table seat
And life goes on, stories be told
Whatever happens we'll grow old
I hope

Here's a crazy thought,
An answer none of us would have sought
It's strange, you always saw so little of me
I didn't feel as well, so worthy

But hopefully, I'll be strong for you
See, you'll arrive and depart, I wish, with me there too
Because choices you have, that will always be plenty
I'll have your whole life, as much as I can carry

I don't care, it will be a little clingy
But let me know, I'll fall where you want me
Just know I'll gather winds and rains
And sweets and pains, with you i'll remain

On the mountain lay me for awhile
I'll be heavy, but I'll be with you for miles
On a boat out at sea, go diving without me
When you return, I'll be the same, still happily

Of course, life will be lighter without weight on your shoulders
But I swear I'll keep up and even make you better
Don't forget me, cuts and tears and all
We'll brave the summer, winter, spring, fall

You're a nomad when all's been said at least
And adventure stokes the fire while keeping your peace
I'll be whatever you need, my cup is yours to fill
And even when you toss me aside, I'll cry, but still be at your will

Because your shoulder's my sunrise
The sunset, and the moon and sun
I'll protect your back from dangers and promises undone
At the end of the day, I'll lay waiting till you wake
For another hour, year, or decade,
I promise I will stay