Falling short

How remarkable
the distance and space
we have placed between us
within these walls

how hard it is to spot
exactly

but summed up
so perfectly
in the slight pull
away

of a shoulder

about to be touched

on Friday night
with the kids in bed.

How a little shrug
can show
just how
how far
we've gone

instead of how far we've come.

How alone
together can be
when day after day
is not meeting in smiles,

but frowned expectations,
even those falling short.

Here we are
responsible
but dying
all
the
same.

All we wanted
was happy
when left
much simpler than this.

Still here
wanting to be loved
and find it in myself
to return.

To return
and offer more
but tired
is the overwhelming tide
I can barely tread.