Just till the Twenty-second

Just eight days
eighteen hours
and twenty minutes
Till I can squeeze the breath out of you
in a big bear hug and give you a wet sloppy kiss.
Just eight days
eighteen hours
and 18 minutes
Till I'll be running my hands
over your shoulders and chest
assuring myself you did come back all in one piece.
Just eight days
seventeen hours
and forty minutes
Till I can get you to myself
away from all those people wanting to praise you
and make you smile again for the first time in a long time
Just eight days
seventeen hours
and two minutes
Till I have you alone in bed
making you happy again
for the first time in over a year.

Just till the twenty-second
I'll send you mental hugs and kisses
I'll keep reminding you of the reason you decided to do this
I'll share with you my ideas of how a welcome home should be

I promise on the twenty-second
You'll be in my arms with your lips on mine
The reason you just spent 13 months in Hell
will suddenly be even more crystal clear than it was before
You will know first hand what my welcome home gifts are

Just wait till the twenty-second before you breakdown
At least then you know I'll be there to hold the pieces.