I Wanted to Say I love You

I wanted to say I love you

But my throat swelled with tears

Tears that ran down my chin and neck

And left a chill as it petered out

I wanted to stroke your blond strands

As if it were harp

and let the music of your soft breathing

reverberate in the empty room

And fill my bones with a certain warmth

No sun or sweater would give

I wanted to say I love you

But something inside didn’t

I choke back another bout

Though a single tear still leaks and falls

And I know it’s a bit too late…

I swallow the large lump

And lie down, moaning to the moon

I wanted to say I love you

But she left, she left too soon