When you lay your cheek on the pillow next to mine
had you begun to change
Beneath the cover
I felt among our twined ankles
a whisper of keratin
bigger than your toenail
Your large ears splayed on the pillow
your pooled eyes, a soft snout
Close in the breathing air, we slept
A dignified night-tempo of limbs
Outside, water carries your words
a visiting deer, your tongue
Inside, a bedroom door half open
Ajars of longing
Old love