The Shape of Her Absence

Her subtle, unguarded smile; that surfaced when she saw me The weight of her head on my shoulder, a silent, trusting vulnerability Our intricate dance of hands; tracing patterns on skin How she'd tilt her head-truly listening; her laugh catching a sudden joke The way her eyes held a story; a constant, beautiful unraveling A silent conversation in her glance;  dissolving the room A gentle counterpoint; pausing the day's tension The soft murmur of her voice; filling the empty hours Her whispered "goodnight,” with breath of mint and rain Her love without words; making me feel less insignificant  How she saw every broken piece; and still chose to stay