we learned how to tread water
in the heart of the city
- swimming through the ashes
of other people's days
other people's ways

we learned how to melt
the last of the scarlet hours
inside a coffee cup
stirring them in like a secret spice

we learned to always water our plants
even that cactus
that doesn't need much watering at all
forever hoping for it to bloom

we learned never to ask questions
learned to paint over our walls
again and again

the way the sun kissed the mountain tops
reminded me of how it felt when
you traced my skin with your fingertips
and I realized how hard it will be
to be away from you

and I am prepared to walk
through the fire alone;

but I would find comfort
if you walked by my side.

with every breath i took
my lungs filled with you;
and for every second that
your heart was closed to me
I taught myself how to breathe
again.