You Were There Waiting For Me

Chicago felt like home today,

smelled like America

ringing with familiar

shrieks of children, tears

of joy, silent

moments of regret

scanning walltowalltowall

moving past corners

where will I find you will I find you how far did they let you come did you make it to my terminal or areyoustuckbehindthedoors

stuck in traffic

stuck in time

stuck anywhere but home

hold yourself together

hold yourself

hold on tight

walking calmly, as if returning

from business

I spot you

quickened pace, eager

but collected

I am okay.

I am not.

Sprint.

drop bags

throw arms

face in shoulder

I crumble into you

wrapped tightly

sobs escape

I am not okay

It was not okay
I melt
I collapse
I surrender

You were there waiting for me.

eyes pooling; relief and exhaustion

softly you whisper,

happy birthday, baby