an old piece found again

My optimism broke.
There’s a vague memory here in my hand
of feeling it give way under my feet,
cracking and snapping
shooting into a lovely scatter pattern
that I didn't even appreciate.
Not even enough to remember where
it splayed out on the path
and into the grass.

strangled silence

you took my words again
i knew just what i wanted to say
and then i turned around and saw your eyes
softening into the lazy afternoon light
...
...
...
and i forget.
i forget.
i forget about my latest story
existential breakthrough
or the eggs that we need to add
to the shopping list
so we can eat tomorrow.
...
...
...
and then you ask me what i'm thinking
you ask me what i mean
and again--
again--
again i am revealed a stuttering fool.

my worst nightmare.

again.
and again.
and again.
i voluntarily enter
the strangled silence

--the place where you are--

till my words are so twisted around
so pressurized
they drip. out. my eyes.

never doubt that i love you, darling.

i lose my words for you.