finally, a breath.

gratitude swarms like a hive

for science

and a friendship forged through decades

piercing sunshine

and arid shade

chlorine fueled squeals so effervescent

you forget the last 400 days were spent

holding your breath in nervous anticipation

of illness

or a civil war

today you inhale deeply

suck in the cloudless sky

and cocktails before lunch

gulp down each second you feel peace

and embrace the other half of your heart

who lives too far away

you're now spilling into hugs more than

you ever had before

as you begin to understand that all things

are fleeting

even pandemics

and distance

and vacations