Babe

Thank you

for adoring me,

as if each non-synchronized

heartbeat

was a loss.

for loving me

unbound,

for holding me,

and teaching me

that being held

is no threat

and being safe

is not a dream

that died in childhood.

You are the reason

that when I sleep

I turn towards warmth,

and when I shake

I can believe that steadiness

still exists.

You taught me

what it is

to be cared for.