forty-one

i can't write this
because i don't want to even try
everything i say will fall
desperately short
my words are pale, lifeless
in the face of my beating heart

yes, my beating heart
red with life and life and life!
and every vein and artery pushing
pumping song through my limbs
right to my fingertips
and out through my smile
up through my tears
my heart has become a happiness machine
and sometimes
i pull on my hair
push down on my head
to keep myself from floating away

because i want to stay
right here
with you
because you're here now
YOU'RE HERE NOW
and those are the words i didn't think
i'd be saying anytime
anytime soon

my world went
from black and white
to technicolor
the moment
you walked
through that door

and i never want to close my eyes again