At a time when every movement
jostles my brain inside my head
and each sound ricochets off
the walls of my skull,
a few certain things are excepted:

The tone and flow of your voice
as you tell me you love me,
bringing comfort with words
when sounds are pain.

The rhythm of your heart
as I lay my head on your chest,
a beat I can succumb to,
and cease all thoughts.

The steady in and out
stream of breaths you take
that assure me you're here,
right where I need you most.

And the pressure of your arms,
wrapped tight around me
and hugging me close,
making me feel your love.

So I tilt my head up and say
"I love you,"
never having meant anything
so much as I do those words.

And I snuggle in even closer,
because I can't imagine
a place more perfect
than simply here with you.

Give me a smoke to ease this pain
&
Burn down my lungs to distract this brain.