A Castle on the Hill

We had break together.
every day, at the same time, we were released from class,
and, invariably, we found each other.
It was impossible not to when,
even with our eyes closed,
we could stumble blindly,
and still crash together, laughing.
We would talk, every day,
and we would leave the school,
for a little while,
wander into the woods on clear days,
warm, summery fall days,
when the clouds would disappear,
and the leaves would glow brilliant colors,
when Autumn and summer cooperated,
we could lay down at the foot of the trees,
and stare up into the shifting canopies,
our fingers intertwined.
even to this day,
I cherish those stolen moments,
listening to her heartbeat and the rushing wind,
her breathing steady and slow as she slowly drifted off,
lulled by the warmth and colors, and me.
Almost imperceptibly,
I could feel the world settle as her eyes closed,
shadows playing across her eyelids.
gently, I would kiss her forehead,
and move her onto me,
so we could sit,
her asleep against my chest,
against the trunk of the tree.
And just sit there for eternity,
listening and watching,
gently humming to her.
In Our place,
were no one could judge us,
away from prying eyes,
and hateful voices.
A place where I could keep her safe.
Our Castle on the Hill.