the first split second of your smile
when your lips are just starting to turn
and your eyes still look dubious,
that's it.

that's the last thing I want to see
before I stop breathing
because it is the split second before
happiness mangles your
serious dark brows
and your thin pink lips.

it is like waiting and watching the morning
creep softly lightly blue into the darkness,
once seen, I'll crawl into bed and sleep,
knowing
that a beautiful day will rise
whether or not I am there to
say,

"hello"