reminders all around

as i changed my sheets tonight i noticed something unusual. there were four pillows on my bed. i've always slept with three. why was there a fourth?

i didn't ponder long before i remembered that night so long ago when my humble bed first found itself home to an even number of pillows. that morning-night so dim from fatigue and so clear from excitement, when words led a houseguest to a much warmer bed, and a pillow kissed leather farewell to join us.

four pillows lonely stood witness near dawn
and heard words so secret that everyone knew
four pillows lonely helped birth a new home
built everlasting, on the risk, "i love you"