what do i do
with the embers you left in soul?
what do i do
knowing how you truly feel?
what do i do
seeing you smile
but knowing that i am not what you want
what do i do
after the terrible truths

you said
you would not miss me when i had gone
you said
you could not fall in love
you said
you are not happy

i know these things
they live in my heart now
broken shards of glass
cutting, cutting
every day
knowing
remembering
the words that made me cold

the place i have
in your world
is not precious
or treasured

what am i?
what purpose do i have in your life?

nothing, seemingly
then why do you keep me around?

his eyes were fixed upon nothing,
his breath caught in his chest.
a constricting weight,
descended upon his heart.

no longer,
was he her hero.
no longer,
would he hold her,
listen to her sleep.

he bit his lip,
to keep it for trembling,
but alas,
a tear slipped from his lashes,
and got lost in his stubble.

he meant to draw a breath,
to speak his pain,
but a sob wracked his throat.

he gripped the table edge,
his knucles straining with the force.

he steeled himself,
he needed to say something.

'you will never find another love like mine'
he choked.

he watched her berry lips part in response
'thank goodness'.