a dream, a vision, a future.

today you fell asleep against me

I didn't see it happen

but felt my heartbeat slow

my breathing change its rhythm to yours

and with a sudden swell of feeling i turned

 carefully, so as not to dislodge your head

against my shoulder

and watched your face soften

with your small breaths so steady and quiet

and in the midst of your sleep

you smiled

at that point i realized

i could do this

i could trade my aching independence 

my fear of manipulation

my single cereal bowl and disorderly books

all of what i understand myself to be

for this

to watch you sleep

with your hand swallowing mine.