i hope my words are strange and wondrous,

like kisses that quiet all things superfluous,

so that we can all stop and

listen

there you are, in my mind,

only you can wrench this many tears from my eyes.

you hurt.

i know.

i hurt.

you go.

go. go. go.

please.

be happy.

be wonderful.

your name is still the last thing on my lips every night,

as i hold fast,

i protect you still, in the only way i know how.

in encountering traces of us,

my breath grows short.

and i trace nail marks freshly printed in the palms of my hands.

i need to re-learn silence, when it comes to you.

these terrible, revealing words.

it hurts beyond my words.

i hope you don't ever forget,

i really did love you.