the a/c broke
     up the words i tried to spit
out of my mouth and into your ears
     through nervous glances
and feigned smiles, you were
     saved by my lack of oxygen
and the sound of me choking
     on my own stupidity
as i swallow
     and keep my mouth shut.

still it simmers
     in the dark folds of my stomach
burns the lining of my throat
     aches in my hollow lungs
faint, flickering pleas of escape
     and water.
dam up these ducts, no tears
     today.

nothing let out but the chill
    of the facade
your oblivion
    and the haunting still of what
i meant to say