It's been a bit quiet in here... I wrote this a good few years ago, when there was a new lady in my life. Found a paper copy during a clear out.
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First Night
There's a stranger by my side,
who breathes to a different rhythm.
Not the pattern I know,
not the one which merged,
almost seamlessly with mine,
for many years.
It's new, and irregular,
almost impossible to sleep with.
But for now I'm happy to lie awake
absorbing and learning the new rhythm
and feeling her warmth alongside.
She sleeps, trusting me,
but I'm not quite there yet.
Instead I lie awake,
body heavy with relaxation,
hoping that this time I'm right.
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