i listen
to her breathing
just grateful
to share time
with her
sending my love
to her
as she sleeps

does she understand
the simple joy
i receive
simply knowing
she exists
that everyday
is brighter
because of it

the contentment
of a life
with her
after so long
searching
giving up
in the face
of a series of let downs

so
i listen to her breathe
the comfort
of her mere presence
enough
to keep
the demons
at bay