He sat with shattered heart in hand,
studying each shard
so as to find where love went wrong.
Suddenly, it all became clear.
Every piece he had tried to give to any other
still resonated with her voice,
reflected her face,
and dripped of her essence.
His heart still belonged to her.
No other would ever be able to claim it.

No amount of words,
love or lust,
would ever tear his heart away.
Effort and denial,
each painted on smile;
none would chase her from his dreams.
With hope he burned,
as he slowly learned
that happiness has always been
deep within each part
of his broken heart.
It was time to let it breathe.