something happens to spark a thought, emotion, reaction
grab something to write on
scribble down words
work and work and work until it is A. brilliant B. you want to throw it away
wait a bit
send it off to trusted, talented friends for editing
apply - or - don't apply edits
read it out loud 5 times
call it done - post it on your blog
Heartbeat
I ask to listen
to your heartbeat
you laugh
then acquiesce
amused by my pleasure in this
we rearrange our limbs
your arm around my shoulder
fingers splayed against my hip
my head tucks against your chest
tau-thump
tau-thump
tau-thump
why do I love this so?
eventually
your breath deepens
a drowsy pat on my shoulder
the pressure of a kiss
on top of my head
your body shifts away from mine
sleep calls
comfort overriding romance
I let you settle
then not to be denied
spoon my body along your length
my arm slips over your waist
even in your sleepiness
you grasp my hand
press it to your heart
in the darkness
peace blankets me
strong - steady - solid
tau-thump
your heartbeat
it anchors my world
NOTES:
I first scribbled down the bones of this way back in... 2014, I think. I loved the experience of snuggling with Michael, hearing his heartbeat, listening to his breathing, feeling safe. Even now, we follow this little ritual almost every night. How to put it into words, though? How to take something that specific and personal and let others (hopefully) not just follow its physicality but its emotion? I sent it off to my two trusted editors and, as you can see in the photo, they had lots of suggestions. Lizzio even rewrote the whole thing out for me with all of her edits because she was afraid the arrows and circles were confusing! Most pieces don't have this level of critique; the fact this one did, meant they really liked it (: Not all pieces require a team either but I think this one is better off for all the effort that went into it.