You have become as necessary
as brushing my teeth before bed,
stretching before a run,
turning to face you before
the light turns green
(your face illuminated by taillights),
eating three meals a day,
taking your hand in mine
as we cruise down 100
and 202,
bathing and cleansing,
frying eggs for lunch,
and let’s not forget
inhaling,
and
exhaling.