Don’t let me be
That man,

The kind who is forced
To remember

Every kiss on your head
After laughing
For hours on end
Before sleep –

An empty husk
In his place,

Letting sacred space
Grow decrepit

With further thoughts
Fearing sadness
Where hope once remained
Most intact,

Now watching you go
Lacking choice

Or glimmer
Of determined faithfulness

Caught through those eyes
Always shining
Even when fate
Seems unkind.

No true love’s spark
Ever dwindles
Despite what winds
Feel intrusive –

These immortal nights
Facing windows
Delivering chills
Barely there

Within bedrooms
Watching each star
Between sheets
So warm and inviting

Burst like suns
Always distant
But nearer than God
Might reveal

While seeing you
Merely content,

Noting heaven
Appeared much closer,

Never going away
Finding meaning

But choosing me
Somehow instead.

This is how I knew
She believed,

Finding twin flames
Rare as real evidence
How miracles thrive
Despite trade-offs
Waiting behind
Better days.

Our marriage
Was worth getting here.

Now tomorrow
Just carries more meaning.

Make memories proud
Being tested.

Have faith
Because we’re enough.

• J. Pigno