I promise,
You smiled,
I forgot how
I longed to see your
Upturned lips, so
I ignored how your skin
Shook on mine
Or the grip
Of your nails
As I caught you, mid-slip
Again

I closed my eyes and
Count to eight
Play connect-the-dots
With the holes
In your veins
Or spun myself another tale
While I wait
For you to say goodnight
But I guess you’re working late
Again

And I wait my turn,

To be held, in line
Right behind
Another bottle,
Search for signs
Of life
While needles
Stroke your spine
To sleep, and me,
Praying for naïve dreams
Again

And here I’ll stay,
To tie up words to
Throw across the gap
That grew between
Our hearts
Somehow
When I was lonely
And you were making
Friends in your head
And a promise
From your heart
Went to hell again