That feeling when you open your eyes and they're there. It sets it rises. I set, and I rise. It should be easier. But it never is. It's not worth it if it isn't complicated. I need the complication. The complication makes it real. That lets you feel, once in awhile.

I drop my cup. The water spills everywhere. Sometimes those things can feel like the end of the world. Don't cry over spilled milk. It helps make the other stuff seem real. It sets and rises, again.

You get a call. More people are sick. You open your eyes, and you're there. Smile, it's okay to do that today, even though it sucks. You get in the car. The journey is too familiar. The hospital has the same smell. The setting and rising is still going on. With or without you.

Am I crazy? I can't sleep, exhaustion hits. The awakeness persists. My head is full. It can't stop thinking. There's nothing else left to do but rise. You share the love, with those that you love, but not with the people everyone thinks you should. Let go, let it wash over you.

It sets. You're still awake. This time by choice. Surrounded by the friends that you love, and there are still apprehensions. I turn to my left, you're there beside me. You touch my hair and move your hand down my back. It feels like that's where it should be, which makes it more complicated.

It sets. We set. Side by side. So when it rises you're still there.