Such a Simple Thing

I woke first, like usual
I saw the message you left for me
From earlier in the night
“Have you seen my sleep mask?”

I knew you meant your favourite
The one I gave you as a gift
The one you never sleep without now

I scanned my weak memory bank
Reflexively
The thought of you without it just wasn’t right
And I who so rarely can remember
I recalled it immediately

I found your sleep mask
Exactly where I remembered
Seeing it yesterday

You, curled up on your side
Orange hair dulling with age
(Maybe less ginger and more dirty blonde now) 

Snoring loudly
Sleeping so deeply

As gently as I could
I wiggled it carefully over your head 
Slid it past your splayed orange
Past your forehead over your eyes
With the softest touch I could manage

When the snoring stopped, I paused
But you didn’t stir
As of you felt my touch and knew it
Felt it and recognized us 

As I softly continued
I wonder if my hands brought you home
In your dreamscape

I know it’s not a perfect job
If I pulled it too hard underneath you
You would surely wake 
But I did the best I could
And I felt you calm as it slid into place
As though your sleep could now be right 

I kissed your shoulder
I left as quietly as I came
Wondering if you love the simple things
In this marriage
As much as I do 

Wondering if you, upon waking
Would feel the same love that I did
In such a simple act 

Wondering if you know how
I tried so carefully while
Thinking my heart might burst
With all the love I felt
Trying so hard not to wake you
Pulling that silk over your eyes

March 14, 2026; 6 a.m.