the perfect man

i dream of a man with stubble—
rough beneath my fingertips
accentuating a square and boyish face

i dream of a man with toned muscles—
broad shouldered with a firm stomach
carrying groceries for an old lady crossing the street

i dream of a man with a deep voice—
soothing like a lullaby, rumbling like a train
filling his chest like a warm cup of tea

i dream of a man who’s introspective—
a poet, describing the exact taste of the wind
a dreamer, fantasizing of brighter futures

i dream of a man who cares—
a friend, baking pie to bring to the picnic
a brother, hugging his sibling when they cry

i dream of a man—
the man i yearn to become
the man i’ve begun to be