Gentle Awakening

From the doorway
I watch him sleep.

His breath
moves slowly in and out,
his chest
rising and falling.

I watch.

In this moment
peace and calm
within us both.

I watch.

He moves,
stretching
and then curling
onto his side.

He sighs.
I smile.

My heart feels full,
bursting,
with love and
pride.

I watch,
not wanting to wake him
but knowing
I must.

I watch,
just a little bit longer.

I walk, slowly,
and gently
lie down beside him.

I take him all in,
his long lashes,
the little scar above his eyebrow,
the curve of his lips.
I gently kiss his nose,
then brush a lock of hair
from his forehead.

I softly rub his back,
and whisper his name.
He sighs,
he moves,
he snuggles into me.

I wrap my arms around him,
and snuggle right back.

I stroke his hair,
I whisper his name,
again.
His eyes flutter open,
and then close
again.

I gently awaken him,
fully,
and as he curls
more deeply into my arms
I whisper I love you.
His little voice
responds,
love you too.

We snuggle in silence,
me breathing in
his entire being
knowing these
precious mornings
won't always be.