she comes back smelling of a different city
cold, sickly sweet aftermath of a harsh evening
i do not mind.

i do not understand anything
but i can sense the sickness she carries
through everyday disasters

             sitting on the bathroom floor
             pulled into the folds of herself
             crying through breathing exercises

             tender days when she does not eat anything
             but fills my bowl
             and lies with me
             for hours

             flowers sharing my name
             wilted on the windowsill
             i wonder who will care for her
             when i share their fate

i can do nothing about this
but i am here

sometimes
we are worlds away
             our time intersects
             briefly
                       we greet
                       and part
                                    but
                    ­                right now,
                                    she is Home
                                    
                           ­         right now,
                                    i am Home