Asleep

I lay my hand on your neck and tickle the lobe of your ear
The sigh you exhume startles me and I pull my touch away
As if I fear being caught in possession of a forbidden delicacy

And as you sleep I watch
Your nostrils flare gently with a delicate sip of breath
Your lips purse as you dream of something wonderful

I want to kiss you but I don’t
Like plucking leaves from a rose
In your beautiful state I don’t want you to wake

If the world could see you as I do
It would love you
As only I can