I cannot put my foot back into that river that brought us here.

Dec 1, 2022

∙ Paid

Our life, in which I have offended, inflicted

damage to our pact, lies behind me—

shattered glass.

I have whispered secrets to strangers,

betrayed confidences, committed transgressions.

Like blood that

astonishes, inflicted hurt.

So, I have damaged you; you are a broken ear of corn.

Moments, minutes, hours, days, months have passed

and I cannot put my foot back into

that river that brought us here.

You give me things to do,

I do them. This helps, you say.

So, we live parallel lives,

and I will try to be happy under your color.

Would you hold my hand while I told

you lies?

Would you stand with me if I showed you

my naked fear?

And yet there is hope, for tonight

signing off with you on the phone,

I said I love you; and, like a star newly born,

like the sun lighting a new

day, you said the same.

34MAG