The pounding of hearts
echoes for ten feet
spinning thoughts
of love and pain.
"I love you"
"Please don't miss"
Sweat streams from every pore
slick fingers glide across the barrel.
"I can't live without you"
"I can't live"
Eyes blink rapidly
uneven breaths linger
regaining a clear conscience
a stomach unsteady; sour.
"I'm going to miss you"
"Please don't miss"
A numbing sensation controls all feeling
all movements become automatic.
The slightest twitch occurs
and a cascade of smoke quivers.
"I love you"
"I loved you too"
And in that second
all memories collide
the whispers and laughs
the kisses and cries.
And all that he has left
is a cold revolver
a broken heart
and a limp, lifeless, love.