After Midnight

A storm wakes me.
My PTSD returns.
Thoughts take me to you–
calm me. My heart slows
its racing. I breathe
in slowly, out in relief.

Such a thief
death is. I breathe
a welcome breath no one knows,
for I am alone, except you
in one of your longer returns,
caress my memory.

I get up to write,
after midnight,
words of love
you forgot to take
with you.