t-minus

i’m glad we get another autumn
to pick a day to pick apples
but instead just buy them
and walk by the river
and take elaborate posed photos
next to some pumpkins
and laugh

we get another summer
to watch the dog swim
and eat ice cream sandwiches
and seek respite from heat
in the grocery store
during peak tejano hours
i’m gonna wear colorful dresses
we’re gonna drink tequila
and stay up too late
on damp sheets
twisting our dreams
into one complex whole

another winter where you bring me
hot coffee in the mornings
and we shiver together
and find that cabin fever
is only one symptom
of that seasonal stuff
we buy each other presents
and avoid doing laundry
and bundle up so much
i can’t feel your touch
through my thick sweaters

when i say i fear you leaving
i mean this is what i’ll miss
my heart is tethered to you
my hand will reach for yours