Warm As the Sun Dipped In Black

Sometimes I watch him in his sleep.

I love the way his chest rises and falls. I like placing my ear over his heart and trying to match my breathing to his to see if I can make our heartbeats match. I like thinking of him while he lays next to me and has no idea what's in my head. I like kissing him on the cheek and taking his arm and placing it around me. I like the way he automatically adjusts and holds me tighter. I like the way sometimes when I think he's sleep, he'll lean over and kiss my head. I like how safe I feel with him sleeping next to me. I like the way he lets me hog the covers. He is beautiful in his alert state but absolutely exquisite in slumber. Sometimes I watch him in his sleep...and I think he knows it.

Thank you for showing me that tenderness can exist within a strong man. Thank you for showing me that there are men out there who are not intimidated by an intelligent woman. Thank you for respecting me first. I appreciate the way you don't hold my flaws against me. I thank you for letting me move at my speed. And I thank you for sometimes giving me that kick in the ass I need to see things more clearly. I thank you for allowing me to be myself when in your presence, and for you doing the same with me. I thank you for showing me patience and I promise that one day you will reap what you have been sowing for so long. You are appreciated.