Sense Memory

The crisp breath of air
across my back awakes me;
for a moment you are still here.

Just before I open my eyes
I can smell the faint hint
of your Cool Cucumber lotion.
"Dry skin is never an option"
you would say as you rubbed
down the cracks in your skin,
masking them.

My eyes open and I am alone.
Perhaps you are in the bathroom

or in another room

in another house

in another town

in another state

somewhere I cannot see you
but know you're okay.

I close my eyes, inhale,
and go back to sleep.