We’re in a season of miles

that stretch across our hearts.

Pulling us together

across the wide, wide sky.

 

And we’re in a season of hours

that don’t want to end.

Some would take a break,

we’ve got to take the work.

 

You’ve been gone so long.

I know you’re tired of the flights

and the calls.

The job keeps you up way too late.

Day turns to night and it starts all again.

The haul never gets any shorter.

Work you love, void without me.

 

And I’ve been home so long.

I’m tired of their fights

and these walls

This job gets me up way too soon.

Night turns to day and they need me again.

The trenches and frontline of motherhood.

A 24/7 shift, for weeks without you.

 

I can’t talk right now. And you’ll be asleep by my tomorrow.

How do two stay one when the sun on my face

has already passed over you?

 

I know this is how it goes.

And I know it’s what we chose.

I know there will be a day

we sit at the beach and watch the waves

play at their toes.

But today is not that day, and you are far from home.

And I am here, alone.

 

But these miles we walk aren’t in vain.

The time you spend away

will come back to us one day.

And I am here with them.

Investing my every breath so they will grow up

and do the same.

 

But these miles are vast and these hours are long.

And tonight the lump in my throat won’t leave me alone.

 

So call me when you get to where you’re going.

Maybe we can talk a little while.

Or at least until the baby cries.

Or we both cave to the lull of needed sleep.