The Miles in Between

The Miles in Between

You fell asleep somewhere over the Atlantic,
and I watched you as Stevie Ray wept in my ear.

I couldn’t help
but think back
to that little café
on the Potomac,
you so sure
of your disinterest.

I talked around
your façade
and searched
for open windows
over glasses
of pinot grigio
and warm beer.

Afternoon showers
chased us
from the terrace
and we laughed
all the way
back to your car.

The pilot’s voice startled the moment and you shifted in your seat
before settling back down with your head on my shoulder.

I smelled your hair
and thought back
to the months
and the miles in between,
you in the District
and me hanging
by a phone line
in the San Diego sun.

There were tears
and rendezvous
to mark the time;
nibble at the distance,
until I U-Hauled my life
cross country
in 72 hours flat.

I smiled when I saw
the Potomac again
and your welcoming
kiss made the clock
spin back in my head.

The bump and screech of rubber on the Amsterdam concrete
shook the sleep from your eyes so I took your hand and pulled

the plug on Jimi’s Slight Return so I could hear you say

“I love you”

SMG