what does this word mean to you

~forever~

is it something you're willing to do

~forever~

is it something you say
a promise you make
that you'll take with you to the grave

~forever~

will you hold tightly to this

~forever~

seal it all off with a kiss

~forever~

husband and wife
through struggle and strife
a covenant made for life

~forever~

a band that will always hold on

~forever~

a truth that will always stand strong

~forever~

a promise with no end
in all that love gives
being the only way to live

~forever~

Words are now
as if
I never wrote

gather as an aching
lump in my throat.

They don't seek paper
only a river
to pour and mingle
in refrains of a dumb sadness
flow away
sunburned and tidewashed
to where the river is widest
deepest with sighs
of life not enough
in once only
and when just begun
ending broken on the shore.

Why an emptiness within
with the summer wind
blowing away the dust

Why the mute tears
we weren't friends for years
but came together awhile

The earth doesn't pause to grieve
but in the heart of hearts
when a good friend leaves
the void for lifetime hurts.

I will retaliate with his mouth,
and you will become what you have made
me.
-- you leave me to stagnate;
talking myself in and out of love, I
forget the curvature, and allure of your body,
and the parts of me that fit in it
starve.

-- call it neutrality, abandonment,
or an "inability to live within" yourself -
call it your serotonin's-seppuku, or
the fact you are inconsiderate;

call it out, like you did in your sleep: "I love
you;"
I do not.

channelled curiosity
reigned in.

eyes open
mouth closed.

the wind plays
like wind chimes

all across
your silence.

while your eyes
feast

never tire
of looking.