You came back.

Warm light pours in, stirs me, warming my face.

Tears sting and tingle sun-kissed cheeks.

Tiptoes. Craning up to fully see

the bits I know by heart:

the contours and curves, the freckles. The

lips and lashes.

[Where have you been?]

Familiar features blurred; sunny haze and ocean spray.

Waves crash in, we breathe out.

Drink you in, tides pull out.

Delicate fingers trace the sun-dried salt,

Tasting the summer as it fades from our skin.

[Please, promise - don't go again.]

Pink cheeks paired to pink skies,

Sunsets losing weight to starry fire.

Eyes closed tight, wishing.

[Stay, stay.]