When Darkness Falls – Christine E. Ray

darkness has settled in
for the evening
the cold outside our four snug walls
frosts our windows
turns snow into a hard, white crust
that reflects our soft bedroom light
the day has been long, my love
I have been doing battle
with the world today
I have been doing battle
with myself
my body is bone-tired
my heart aches
my soul is weary
exhausted tears are a heartbeat away
will you hold me close to your chest
lend me your strength?
cup my face tenderly
before kissing my forehead, my lips?
may I lay on your broad shoulder, clasped in your arms
while you whisper me a goodnight story?
can you sing me a love song
written just for me?
will you remind me that you are mine
and I am yours
that when we are together we are always home?
can you gently remind me
that I am a woman worthy of your poetry?
worthy of your love?
until I am able to still my mind and drift off
into peaceful slumber under your watchful gaze. . .