Looking Back

I remember the night we couldn't sleep

I tried to count one by one

the tawny hairs on your back

but you were so tickled by my breath

that you squirmed about knocking my nose

so I laughed

and had to start again over and over

until I got so lost

I rested my cheek in the hollow of your back

and remembered other soft and warm places

I had been with you during the night.

You ran your fingers through my hair then

one going lightly round and round into my ear

over and over

the years drifting past

I see looking back

as my cheek rests against my pillow

that reminds me palely of the softness of your back

so that closing my eyes

I can count the tawny hairs on your back from memory

and feel your fingers in my hair

one running lightly round and round into my ear

over and over

I remember that night

when I tried to count the tawny hairs on your back

again and again

if you would have let me.