Days like today I think of you in your pea coat,
The collar parting sharply along your neckline
Like an invitation,
And, if the wind is strong,
Framing your face to keep away the bite.
I think of that magic trick warmth - the one where
You hold my hands outstretched and

(light as a feather stiff as a board)

Hold yours above like airplane wings,
Spilling a downdraft of body heat onto my skin,
I think of all the words you’ve given me -
Things I keep close in spite of the burning.
I think of the way you opened your palms to me.

Like a child I waited for the butterflies
Stretching new wings,
Petrichor and dawn.