assertive wind
tearing through
my saltless hair.

restless waves.

fading cornflower-blue sky
& pale pinks and purples.

our star sinking slowly
into the horizon,
swallowed by the lake.

smokey wisps and whirls
float among the aimless
muted gray puffs akin.

we walk beside each other
in constant companionate
chatter.

carefully
stack &
balance
lakefront
jagged
rocks
&
smooth
pebbles
atop
sturdy
stones.

i want to hold his hand.

badly . . .

but i reel myself in.
i don't hold his hand.

because i know
it is not his hand
i am longing to hold.

it's yours.