The Night Before

The sun had just warmed the morning sky on a new day
When I discovered a stray hair that found its way to my pillow.
I already knew the origin of that strand of silk,
It was property of the beautiful girl who slept there the night before.

I had carefully watched her eyes moved beneath naked lids
And I counted the lashes on her child-like face.
I saw the arc of her chest in its peak
And I heard the air escape only to begin the journey all over again.

I remember exactly how she stood in my doorway — so open, so plain —
With the moonlight cascading down her face.
I thought about how she moved across the empty dance floor in bare feet
And how I laughed as she smiled back at me.

I thought about how nothing could compare to the melody in her heartbeat
Or how no piece of art could document what I saw in the smile spread on her lips.
I was amazed by the strength she held my hand with.
Now it made sense how she could carry all those things she kept in.

Finally she opened her eyes showing a color I hadn't seen.
They matched the morning in its optimism and naivety.
She managed to flood me with so much compassion and hope
That all of the love coming out of her caught back up with me.

But now she's not here anymore and there's just a hole in my bed.
Long gone is the warmth from where she had lain her head.
The day passed like grains of sand through a clinched fist
And the only thing I have left is the night before.