together, flawed

He brings the carton to his mouth
takes a swig
in a manner that would better suit
a bottle of beer

wipes his mouth with the back of his hand
and I think
he has never looked
more the part of a man

but as with all things
he is careless
quickhanded
leaving a white smudge
above his lip

and I want to reach out
wipe it away
with my hand
my mouth

but I leave it

because it reminds me
of his imperfections
the things
that make me stay with him

because I know
I am anything but perfect

and he has stayed.