She opened up my back
& stuffed me with things like
Affection and reassurance.
The value of things often taken
For granted.
Things I am reminded of every time
She hugs me & squeezes me tight.
She opened up my back and gave me
Things I cannot forget.
The fights, the small disagreements
That made her feel alone.
All of the things she told me while
We were alone, how she felt
How tight she’d hold me before
Falling fast asleep without notice.
Her secret hiding place at the foot of
The bed,
Revealing a side of me I didn’t know
Existed.
With every snatch of Velcro
My heart grew.
Weighted full of words I couldn’t
Begin to express.
Every time she walked in the room
I lit up & smiled,
Ears standing straight up.
If she squeezed hard enough
All of that weight shifted
& all the words I couldn’t say
Sums themselves up,
I love you