early visit

sneaking quiet as a mouse into your bedroom
 
watching for a minute or two you sleeping   so serene and beautiful
 
the bed covers partially covering you   as does your nightgown
 
the dark edge of a nipple's areola peeks teasingly out  
 
i glance about the room   taking it all in
 
freeing and stealing some hair from your brush
 
my toes digging softly into the rug
 
moving to your side of the bed   kneeling down close to enjoy your view of how the sun rises in your window
 
long, deep draws of air  absorbing all the scents of your room as i can
 
fingers sample the texture of your sheets, the blanket and comforter
 
clocking the timing of your breathing   keeping it distinct from ralph's across the bed
 
wishing i could chance opening your closet, your drawers  but daring not
 
ralph turns over onto his side    still facing away   but time short now
 
up on my knees    i look into your face
 
trembling fingers chase a stay lock off your cheek
 
inching closer  should i?  can i?  will i?
 
my lips  did they touch yours?   or was it just your body heat that they captured?
 
i hold them still   close   heart pounding so loud in my ears
 
yes, they touch    fleeting as the gentle wind stirring leaves on a tree
 
i move away    eyes bathing you    
 
so proud i did not disturb you  
 
sneaking out the way i came
 
passing a hamper by the door
 
your panties now clutched in my hand
 
dancing across your lawn in the predawn light