I roll onto my side
and
I hear her
softly pad her way
up the bed
already
I am lifting the blanket
and she slinks
under
Our nightly routine
She turns a half circle
settles against me
curling her shape
into my shape
I gently let the blanket
drop
enclosing her
in the warmth
and the hush
of night
When I wake up briefly
in the wee hours of the morning
I will notice that
she's settled elsewhere
on the bed
But as I shrug off
another long day,
seeking to greet sleep,
her gentle weight
and mild purr
help to anchor
and settle my soul
and I'd like to think
my heartbeat
does the same for her.
