a number
it is meaningful
it winds through
this life
my life
our lives
a time of grappling
a time of giving over
nine is spirit
shot through flesh
cannot be removed
it is
anniversary
part of me
part of you
like breath
it seeps into the blood
rushes to the brain
gives rise to thoughts
of beauty on a rainy day
impressing memory
like a forever flower
into a book
these words
they’re all i have
to give
may they live
beyond our days
these words
they are yours
you built this
hand in hand
with me
over
nine years
like the home
like a life
and i know
you are breathing
with me
even now
across the space
you in your place
me in mine
across these
nine years