To My Panda
In the quiet hours, I feel the ache,
a rhythm missing, a breath half-awake.
My heart leans out across the miles,
still tethered to your smile,
still calling your name in silence.
I miss you in the way dawn misses night,
the way rivers ache for the sea,
the way roots ache for rain.
Every beat of me longs to join yours,
not to possess, not to demand,
but to simply be —
side by side, pulse to pulse,
in the sacred ease of love.
Gratitude folds through me like light,
for every step you’ve walked,
for every shadow you’ve braved,
for every breath you’ve chosen to stay.
My love is no bargain, no ledger, no chain —
only the open hand,
only the open heart.
Panda, my forever,
if you place your palm to your chest tonight,
know it is my heartbeat knocking there too,
asking nothing but the chance
to beat in time with yours,
in unconditional love,
in gratitude without end.
-Your Polar Bear