It’s the smoke off a cigarette
the trail of a comet tailing
the way the residue of breathing
hangs in cold dawn air

it’s the look of knowing
shared between two lovers
the way a caress skims the skin
leaves a tingle after-flowing

it’s the way gnats swarm in evening air
the way a child heaves after crying
it’s the way a tear travels a cheek
drips into space
only the groove of wet remains

or maybe
it’s the way a dog cries and whines
the lingering tones of need after
the owner is gone.

©2021 Marissa Mullins Photo Credit: Pexels