It's frightening
The way your words
Control my breathing
The power behind
Their meaning

Deep breath
Ache in my chest
Released slowly
Vulnerability professed

Your critique, my crutch
Speech impersonating touch
Promises recast
Within my mind, steadfast

Forfeited resistance
Ears attuned to your voice

Heavy breathing
Rapid beating
Words imprinted
On the walls
As our hearts rejoice

© JL Smith

Today it almost slipped
Those words right off your lips
You know the ones I speak of
As our bodies aligned
Eclipse

And in my chair
Haphazardly
I sat, not scared to fall
You walked right up
Behind me
Leaned over me and
Stalled

Remember when you
Whispered
My name into my ear
I almost felt you say it
Those words I know we
Fear

I often wonder what it'd sound like
Not to read them or
Imagine in my head
For you or I to claim it
And yet we hesitate
Instead

© JL Smith

You took this heart
And devoured it whole
Digested it in pieces
Lunging after my soul

You dimmed the light
Gleaming from my eyes
Coerced tunnel vision
Blue to black skies

You silenced my dreams
Bringing nightmares to life
Sleep deprivation
Demon wielding a knife

You belittled my spirit
Envious of my growth
Made me pay in your anger
Sworn to secrecy,
Hidden oath

© JL Smith

I'm wasted on your words
Held hostage by your speech
Hanging on to syllables
Their emphasis and reach

The tone you chose is subtle
Distress unfolds to peace
Annunciate your authenticity
Lest my intoxication cease

© JL Smith

For months
I've locked the deadbolt
To this
Battered heart
A few keys
Have tried
To open it
Failing the part

And as another
Comes and goes
A secured gateway
From the start
I've forgotten
All Along
Who holds my master key
The One who never departs

© JL Smith

You ask me
To go for a swim,
But you stand there
Treading water
As I drown
In the
Deep
End

© JL Smith

Knock on my door
After the sun sets
When the world goes dark
Before I regret

Grab my hand
Lead me into the unknown
Caress my cheek
Your lips on my collarbone

Force my memories to fade
The ones you know well
Speak truths to me
Our secret, I won't tell

© JL Smith