I stole a sliver of
your breath
& tucked it underneath
my pillow
for safe-keeping

you know, sometimes I think
I'd like to watch you
as you're sleeping

so I could acquaint myself with
the arch of your
brow

& know there are times
when you're as
scared
as me now


my dream was that with
each kiss
you transform -
cold and unforgiving


thus my lips brushed upon
your frozen hand

to assure myself you were
still living