Montpeyroux

i opened my eyes this morning
to the sun shining on your face.
mediterranean, like your brother.
your expression calm,
your breathing mild,
your eyes closed and you,
peaceful, dreaming.

it was no different than waking up
in montpeyroux one winter years ago
after too much wine
and too much french.
hardly making it back up the stairs,
throwing my culture shock at you
like a brick
and you catching it,
turning it over into a pillow,
laying it under my head.

now there's only pride in front of us,
pride and memories,
and me,
still struggling up the stairs,
and you,
still pulling the down comforter
up around my shoulders.