There’s a minute of happiness –

before I open my eyes, or when I take a sip of coffee –

or the sun touches me

tickling my skin.

For a moment the world stops,

and every nagging, filthy thought disappears.

The warmth blooms behind my rib cage,

and nothing is wrong with the reality

I’m forced to walk through.

For one, brief piece of time

I smile truthfully –

feeling love and your mark

pulsing beneath my skin.