eyes alight
crinkled right there in the corners
from your smile

lasting in my mind
like the moment after an exhale
soft and settled
but panicked and yearning for the next breath

our faces so close, I can only see one eye
the left one
our noses touching
not gently, not cute
but firmly crushed,
the end of an intake of breath
pulling tightly to the last drop of vitality,
side by side, that little infinity of transcending solace

you breathe on my cheek
as you exhale through your nose
as you smile,
as your eyes capture me,
as my breath catches in my throat,
and shudders against your skin,
you force your way into my heart.

This is you
as I remember.
I've had many breaths since
but none have consumed my mind
like this.
Like yours.