In the tangle of covers I feel your warmth

Though you’ve been gone to work an hour.

That touch, like one before,

Brings a pause to my determined straightening.

Once I’d kissed her cooling forehead,

   Lovingly dressed her,

Felt her warmth on the sheet for the last time.

Of course you’ll come back –

   Silly to think otherwise;

Tonight I will remember to say

I love you and hold you close.

                        Judy Andrus Toporcer