you walked through the door of my life
as though you were coming home
despite the fact we had aligned
to go off to war together
how long in coming
our handshake had been
both of us weary but grateful
looking as if we had just driven in
from purgatory
i was prepared for every outcome
but you
the way we so naturally cared for each other
pour another drink
throw money on the table
take the keys
offer an arm
roll another one so we can sit by our window and laugh
we survived the flashing random checkpoint lights and leering eyes
applauded for each other
cried for each other
snapped to attention
on reverent common ground
listened entranced as ghosts of dead starlets rang our doorbell
made love with biltmore rooftop aspirations
but what killed me
what changed the world
and
the reason we now call each other when we’re
driving alone
scared
was the way you kissed me
just before you left
the music stopped