do you know how hard it is
to shake yourself
from a near death experience?

it can take a lot of alcohol
and staying up late
just to watch
a loved one breathe
so soft and evenly
in sleep

it's hard to calm hands
that continue to tremble

it's hard to close eyes
that picture them tumble

it's hard to equate
they are lying by your side
when just a small amount
of different circumstances
meant they could have died

I don't understand the universe
or if cosmic chances
are a real thing
all I understand is
the warm body that's lying
next to me tonight
is testament to a life
I'll never take for granted
he's lucky to be alive tonight
I'm lucky he's here beside me
continuing to be
*my everything