to reach out and press my fingers against the stars, to stop the blade of time and feel the sand pile up in my hands, to lay back in the tall grass and disappear into the earth.

if I could find the path to the heart of it all, I would ask the man behind the curtain for a snow globe so I could lead you into the shimmer and keep it all just so. I would ask him for a camera so I could make a permanent seal of each moment. I would ask him for a book so I could press the petals of your love between each page and keep them forever.

I could be the man I was before. I felt so sure of myself then, the road was less winding, the trail more certain. I didn't have to blaze anything new.

I spent every waking moment turning your face over in my mind, wondering about your laugh, your warmth, the softness of your palms. I never thought you would lift your hand to my flames and breathe in the smoke.

I have made you a promise, and I intend to keep it. A fire survives if you keep it burning, and I find new reasons every day. A torch becomes a beacon, guiding me home to you, where the light burns brightest.