I Can Hold a Leaf to My Cheek

I can hold a leaf to my cheek

and feel my heart beat

I'm still breathing—

I am a mind stacked with chests of words

never spoken

Of poetry lost to

the darkness of 3 AM

Old photos, old friends

Strange how a moment can bring so much

to you...

A longing to be warm

hidden yet seen

Our world inside

Worn wool sweater and hair in my face

Sparkling eyes at a vastness of love

Distant, distant, goodbye to you

and the pain you used

to dim my light

Gaps in time

Where was I and

who is this now

dancing in sparkles

You hated them

Do you dream of me?

or am I a ghost in your vision

locked behind your perception

I'm unveiling myself