Morning Essence

winter images
only chaotic snowflakes
have seen
sacrificial meltings
for just a glimpse through the
warm window panes of your room
where you drink black coffee in bed wearing
a favorite old t-shirt soft threads lightly thinning
and into pillows your thoughts
lean deep
bedsheets wrapping tired
long legs warm safe

and in my mind I hear the books at your side
bragging sing-song lyrics to jealous ears
how gentle fingertips touch their pages
a seducive palm cups their spines

morning of magical discord
where the moon pauses her descent
to savor the you only few
get to see and I can only imagine
as a beautiful fall into heaven.

Nikki Lockhart