"i want to grow old with you," i said.

she smiled, that haunting smile of hers lighting up

both the room and her tired eyes, which were just slightly

open-- she'd been up all night waiting for my arrival.

"in a big house. with a dog. and a horse," i continue, "i want to protect you."

a sigh, this time. but not of disappointment.

  (it's hope.)

 

"we're gonna be just fine. this is love, so we'll survive."

she cocks her head to the side,

as if considering

my statement, contemplating the

complicated cross-folds of the

conversation,

if you will.

 

we continue to talk in this manner.

or, i continue to talk, and

she continues to listen, as

our conversations usually go.

she makes no replies for what seems like

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hours,

 

and just lets me  p

                           o

                              u

                                 r    

                                     everything out before her.

 

she finally replies, "an old house, a small dog, and a black horse,"

and kisses me before falling asleep

 

(in my arms.)