The shutter closes
Plot points fixed in monochrome;
The story unfolds

"The best memories are like overplayed mixtapes: they lose clarity and detail over time, yet they seem to sound better the older they get."*

We listen to the fourth round of Trois Gymnopedies
on our break from the second round of *******

Our limbs entwined, in part because we like it
partly because we're stuck together by sweat and--

The air is thick with scents foul and fragrant
as furniture music fills the gaps in between

Every breath stalls to anticipate the notes
fingers twitch slightly on the downbeat

Ten minutes ago, we made our own music
Ten minutes ago, we were in perfect harmony

She stares at the ceiling as I stare on her lips
I watch her mumble the lyrics Satie never wrote:

A pack of cigarettes,
a pack of cigarettes
Could you please buy from the store?*

We're taken over by uncontrollable laughter
as uncontrollable as the trembling when we came

She shifts to her side, and my arms are freed
I stand and pick my jeans from the floor

I take my time buttoning up my shirt,
soaking in the view before I run the errand

She lies naked still, as I put a jacket on
I leave on the fifth round of the Gymnopedie

I will love you in the morning and in the mornings after that.
I will wake you everyday, cook your breakfast, make you fat.

I will run your errands, wash the car, clean the dishes.
I will do your homework and even finish your thesis!

I will swim the deepest oceans, ride a bike downhill
and I'll accomplish these goals, 'cause you've strengthened my will.

I will sit for hours with you, locked in meaningful stare,
utterly convinced no other beauty could possibly compare.

I will listen and understand, wait for you to make up your mind;
because of you, I've learned other ways of being kind.

I will hold your hand in public, hug and kiss you as I please.
Our Love Spectacular will be known across the Seven Seas!

I will feed your ego, as you would feed mine.
"Yes, that dress makes your *** look **** fine!"

I will take baths with you, and if I may be so blunt:
I will wash your back, but be more thorough with your front.

I will search for more films, more books for us to read
but you'll always be the only entertainment I'll ever need.

I will sing your fav'rite songs, and we'll make up a few of our own.
We will sing them to our children, even when they've fully grown.

We will grow old together, but I will look older than you.
I'd consider myself a good husband if you don't age past twenty-two!

Eventually I will forget
plenty of these things, I bet.

But know, one of these I hold dear.
My love, let me make this properly clear:

With you, I will love every moment eternal--- in fact,
I will love you in the morning and in the mornings after that.