Dusty was the mindset I set before me
my jaw so tight my temples blossomed like
children splashing in puddles, my world went
westward, huddled in southernlys I thought
I’d grow old like this, I thought
I’d shrink so little I’d become
the dust in mind —

But the car door opened wide and, with a haze of warmth,
you appeared;
heart clench, baby.

Haloed in a spring’s midmorning rosy glow.
A hand the color of pearls under turquoise waters
reached for mine, and the breeze took
my breath away—