there's a stranger sleeping on my shoulder
on this lonely overnight bus ride
to Atlanta

***** blond hair pulled back
into a loose and messy bun
cheeks obscured by the faux fur
of an oversized white-as-snow winter coat

i've given up on sleep

i can't help but wish you were here instead
that you drifted to sleep while we shared
earbuds and listened to rambling songs
as our fingers traced calligraphy tattoos
across each other's knuckles and we
huddled together for warmth

i'd glance over as you smiled in your sleep
and press my lips to the crest of your head
and as the sun rose and cast its gaze on our
little band of troubadours and
you gave out a warbling yawn i'd say
let me be the first to
cordially welcome you to Georgia