Bare feet brush the cool floor,

Tiptoeing, gingerly creeping across the hall,

Up the stairs to stop at the door.

I'll remember my shoes later,

My weariness from the day

Is simply too much to ignore.

Swiftly, I turn the knob, and let myself in.

Soft light spills from the reading lamp,

The room neat as a pin.

I spy you sleeping in a chair,

Your glasses on your chin.

Your book forgotten, in your lap,

I place them next to the cookie tin.

I smile, knowing you remembered.

That you stayed up to wait.

I can't believe you did.

I thought I told you I'd be late.

I pull the pins from my hair,

Wash the make-up from my face.

Slipping into my chemise,

I conduct my nightly pace.

I go back to where I found you,

Only you're not there anymore.

Suddenly your arms are around me

And my heart begins to soar.

"It's been a long day," I tell you,

"And my feet are sore."

You smile and touch my cheek,

And nod toward the bedroom door.

"Then let's just go to bed honey,

We'll talk tomorrow some more."