i have been counting the leaves that have fallen since
i saw the summer sunrise in your eyes.
cold winds whispered cloudy days but when i
gazed into your eyes as your hand held mine there was
     hope,
but i truly felt it when you spoke poems to the snow.
i felt the lightning in your fingertips when your anxiety
went away with the morning mist and i smiled because you
decided that life was worthwhile.

"this is the way it's supposed to be," you say,
     and though you were referring to our sisters' retreat,
     i couldn't help but think of those words
     whenever you smiled at me.

i don't know if i'm the one helping you off the ground or
dragging you down but *******,
it's so good to know that you won't drown and
that you're safe and sound,

because i'd risk my life for your happiness to be found.