Stay Like the Need to Leave

12/23/21

But it fades too fast,

Like the smiles, like the sunsets,

Like all the beautiful things.

Like you and my joy.

But the regret lives here,

And it’s here to stay until it dies when we do.

The regret that kills your soul like when your dad left and your mom blamed you—

Blamed you for him not loving you or her or your little sister anymore,

For him leaving all of you and your unborn baby brother.

It’s your fault for not being enough for him to stay,

Stay like the hurt,

Stay like the disappointment,

Stay like the need to leave.