I looked deep into your eyes
as my fingertips grasped your hips, pulling,
pressing you into me.
“I love you”, you said
and I smiled.
“I'm sorry, Darling, for letting you go”, I choked
with tears of regret clouding my vision.
Your eyes softened with your smile
that felt like the warmth of the sun.
“It's alright Baby, don't cry, we're still together
because I never let go of you”.
I smelled the coconut lotion on your arms
as they draped over my shoulders and clasped together
around the back of my neck.
I closed my eyes and pressed my forehead against yours, trying
to hold on to the moment forever.

When I woke up
soaked in sweat,
you were gone.
You've been gone a while now
because when I let go so long ago,
so did you.