Linger

After working late, I arrive home,
The house dark, the children asleep
In their room down the hall.

Sitting on the patio, I tipple wine
While the cat climbs the moonlight
On my shoulder and settles,
Her little engine humming in my ear.

In the shadows of the backyard,
The wind grieves for a year gone by,
And plum blossoms drizzle
Onto dark grass, promising
New fruit. Above, the stars blur.
I could linger in this moment forever.