back when we were
in love,
and i was seventeen -
my hair was short
and i liked the way
you embraced my silence
i told you not to be fooled -
inside this head
blares a million sirens

back when we were
in love,
and i was eighteen -
my hair was long
and i liked the way
your breaths were delayed
i told you not to be scared -
there were so many times
where i don't know why you stayed

back when we were
in love,
and i was nineteen -
my hair was short (again)
and i liked the way
you softened the blows
you told me not to take you for granted -
but here i am
alone and empty-handed