The Next Day

By Madyson Trama

Fingertips glide lazily up and down my spine,  
mine trace softly over your broad shoulders 
leaving a path full of goosebumps. 
Your fingertips travel,  
travel until you latch onto the flesh of my thigh 
keeping me close, 
the heat of your hand feels as if  
it is burning the print into my skin,  
I almost wish it would.  
That would be the reminder of you  
come the next day,  
your clean, comforting scent penetrates the pillows,  
blankets outline your lean silhouette,  
but your scent dissipates into the air  
and the blankets slowly lose the creases,  
just like your handprint that seared my skin,  
just like your body heat that warmed me,  
just like your presence,  
you are gone.