Subliminal

We were just sitting on the floor,
chatting, nothing heavy...
Or maybe (probably) I was talking
and you were listening,
as good friends do.
Suddenly your solid body was behind me,
arm across my shoulder,
and I was momentarily confused
by this casual closeness
and lack of caution.

But conversation continued, unabated.
You breathed the smell of my hair,
planted a gentle kiss on the back of my shoulder;
I was cherished.

My awareness shifted --
Slowly realizing
this warmth was just my own,
an imagined intimacy
in solo sheets.
I willed the sunrise to slow,
closing eyes and ears to the coming day
as I leaned back into your chest
for a few more moments
of utter comfort
and belonging.