The same hand, sturdy, carving initials in bark,
now holds the knife, in my back, my heart, the mark.

It began again like it always does,
eyes locked, and heart skips a beat “just because”.

I soldier on embracing our precious past, our ghosts -
I cling to life, beg for warmth and your comfort the most.

I am the fire, burning, raging, dying,
your promises the foundation, the tinder, lying.

Hammer pounding, reinforced fears as I’m open to you,
Destroy to rebuild, you, my reason to fear something new.

I closed my eyes, held my breath and told the world to stay,
axis tilting, you, my world, slowly wilting away.

Wrinkled hand is drinking from a medicine cup,
ancient demons, the season, as your lies erupt.

Our business becomes a garden, barren, no rain,
compliments get caught in my throat, no longer your name.

Death lets himself in through the cover of darkness as I sleep,
I should have known it was you holding the knife, hilt deep.