“

“You called?”

“

i would linger over a particular vowel, the name of a lover or just a loved one. and across the consonants like each vertebrate on the spine i would drag my fingers across

“

was it misplaced affection? did you know i mistook it for medicine? did you not know too much processed love can ruin a person?  

“

I can still see the image of you dancing
down those no-longer-familiar halls.

“

I will learn that there is more to me than being a caretaker.

“

so, if you think I am brave
for following my heart
don’t

“

How full I
became
when I decided
I couldn’t live
on scraps

“

I remember how small I felt, when you pulled me into you.