You are here and now

You are here, still, now,
growing up from the footprints
of evening walks.

When I awaken
I hear you
breathing beside me

It is not just my shoes
in my left hand
as I walk barefoot;
I can feel your grasp.

no coming, no going;
I carry you with me.

will I carry you still
to a new garden
where you have not
sweated and laughed

and a new house
where you've neither swept nor slept?