Complete

This morning, the sun’s fingers

Caressed my face with its warmth

Sleepy, satisfied eyes awoke to linger

Upon the space beside me, now filled-

Resembling my heart-

Where once, long ago

One half was void and hollow

That loneliness we’ve since shed tears over

In all the journeys that have followed

Twilight mornings we embraced

Before whispering goodbye,

Not unlike the dirt road you drove down.

Painfully watching me cry

Airport hugs we know

Only too well

Yet those parting residency kisses

Quite frankly, were hell

Because each time we were distant 

My soul felt incomplete

Like the years before you made me laugh

When each night, I prayed I would meet

Someone to accept me

For all that I am

Just a friend, I pleaded

But, He knows the plan.

On the backside of time,

You were there all along

While I endured patience and trust

Our first embrace, Heaven’s song.

And each one since

Is warmth, familiarity and joy

Feeling perfectly at home

In the arms of my country boy

The sharp sting of goodbyes 

The silent, cold and dark

We’ve endured many nights 

Of being apart

But each newborn dawn

Half awake- I’d hear

The unlocking of our door

Which meant you were near

Anticipated reunion

Calm, reassurance in your voice

Soothes my sensitive soul

So grateful for our choice

To be eternally linked

To know your smiling eyes

Mold the present with our hands

Hinging hope upon our ties.

Mustering a thousand goodbyes

Is something I could do

If it meant the sweet bliss of reunions

Restoring love anew.

For each dusk evening you return

My heart still skips a beat

I adore you, truly, Ertle-love,

Your heart makes mine complete.