I watched as dawn slowly dipped its color into the fading night. The sky, changing, unrolling into a regal shade of velvet while the wind ran its fingers through the trees. The window is open a crack (just how you like it) and a subtle breeze creeps through, kissing gooseflesh on my skin. I sit up on the edge of the bed, kicking the last of the covers away. I yawn and stretch skyward, still feeling the late night spent in my bones. I sigh, reaching over to the night stand to reset the alarm clock to sound an hour later, so sure that you won’t mind. From the foot of the bed, from the floor, I hear a soft whine as the dog lifts her great dark head over the horizon of the sheets. Her ears fall flat and playful, her eyes all puppy love and she whines again questioning: Are you alright? I put my finger to my lips, gently shushing, and wave her down. She looks grateful and contented as she descends back to her slumbering vigil.

With a rustle of the sheets and a soft moan you catch my attention (as always) and I look over my shoulder to watch you. You’ve burrowed yourself beneath the blankets with only your face and a few fingers to greet the morning. I watch your lips slightly part as you settle back into your dreams. I smile and make my way into the depths of the covers, shuffling quietly until our bodies are close again. I drape my arm in halo above your head, across the pillow, and plant a kiss upon the garden of your face. You utter the softest sound, shifting towards me and your fingers grip lightly at my tee-shirt. I move down until my face is level with yours, kissing your sleeping lips, with thoughts of waking you, of sharing this time with you. I can still feel the marks you made on my skin from when we spent our passion freely the night before. I smile again, kissing your lips again but leaving you to your dreams. And from somewhere deep within them, your eyes flutter open and you smile back but just as quick, you’re off again.

Outside, life is beginning the first of its gentle movements. House lights flicker on, somewhere in the distance, the metallic drone of a garbage truck at play, and the trees and on the wind, birds chatter and sing of things to do today. But I lay beside you, growing closer, feeling the warmth of you within me. And my eyelids begin to tumble as I listen to the song of your breathing. It’s all the music I need.

And outside, the dawn beckons, daring now more vast and brilliant colors against the canvass sky.

So let the morning come. I think, drifting now.

And if the day should need me, I’ll be right here with you.