Just 12 feet away

Just 12 feet away, and one glance makes it feel like 12,000 miles. 12 feet I cannot cross, that you cannot cross and here I am staring at you. I study your features as best I can amidst the chaos of the room, the people momentarily blocking my view and the noises from everyone are distracting. Only 12 feet and every bit of me aches to close the distance.

I can hear your voice across these endless 12 feet, and it is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. Loud, clear, and sure of exactly what your voice commands. I want so badly to hear your voice at all times, after not hearing it all my life until this moment. I want to feel your skin and run my fingers through your hair. I want to stare into your eyes and I want to tell you that from this moment on, I will be by your side no matter the circumstance.

From 12 feet away, you come to me. You are warm, sweet and as eager to be near me as I am to be near you. Finally, I hold you in my arms and we are one; I swear I will never let you go. I take in your sweet scent, listen as your voice goes quiet, and feel your soft skin. After a moment I count your fingers and toes, admiring just how tiny and perfect they are.

I don't dare loosen my grip on you as I inspect you bit by bit and try my very best to be patient enough with examining every inch of your face. At this point I have only seen a crying and bunched up version of your face from 12 feet away and I know that once I see it up close the deep hold you have on my heart will be so permanent it will feel as if I was never without you. That on this day the person I was before you has died, and the person I am now, with you, is all that matters.

I have never held anyone so small, so loud and so perfect. And I can't believe you are mine.