We met in the hush
Of an afterthought room
Your laugh in my chest
Like a second heartbeat

Your hand on my wrist
Tracing slow tiny moons
You said
“Stay a bit longer”
And I just breathed
“Please”

Tender love
Like your mouth on my shoulder
Taking time
Till the night rolls over
Say my name
Like a secret you uncover
Tender love
Let it take us under

Glass ring on the sink
Dripping lime and perfume
Your shirt on the chair
Learning every crease

You talk in a murmur
Eyes somewhere past noon
“I’m scared of the calm”
I say
“Lean into me” (come closer)

Tender love
Like your mouth on my shoulder
Taking time
Till the night rolls over
Say my name
Like a secret you uncover
Tender love
Let it take us under

Leave all the sharp words
Out in the hall
Here in this soft light
We don’t have to fall

Just breathe in the pauses
Let the doubts float through (float through)
Every slow heartbeat
Pulls me back to you (back to you)

Tender love
Like your mouth on my shoulder
Taking time
Till the night rolls over
Say my name
Like a secret you uncover
Tender love
Let it take us under (under)