I picture you perfectly through my mind’s eye
strolling into work
perhaps a few minutes late
smoothing out your tie and gulping down the last dregs
of your coffee
I long to hold you
to see your crooked Cheshire smile
I’ve had a rough day
and I want you to comfort me
I want to nuzzle into that spot on your shoulder
that I have claimed as my own
much like a voyager would plant a flag
in uncharted territory
as you are mine
I have similar marks on my body
riddled throughout by you, you, you
everyone I encounter senses my allegiance
despite the thousand-mile flagpole between us.

© Crystal S. McDonald.