I press play

And the first song that comes on

Is one that you love.

Skip.

Wouldn't you know it

The next track

Is the one that played in the background

When we first met.

Skip.

Up next is a favorite of yours

That I can't hear

Over the imaginary you in my head

Singing along.

Skip.

Hey, what a coincidence!

The next three

Were all on the mix I made you

That you never got to hear.

Skipskipskip.

The one after that is just fine

Except, oh

Did it mention a wolf?

Funny

That reminds me of you

Dressed in sheepskin.

Skip!

Oh, you hated this one!

But, wait

You thought it was so funny

That I liked it.

Ha ha ha

S k i p.

Here's a new one

That I never got to recommend to you

But it rubs salt in the wound

When I apply the words

To me and you.

S

K

I

P

!

!

!

...

I press skip

And the next song that comes on

Is one that you love

But!

I loved it first

Before I knew your name

Or what songs you listened to

Or of your place

As a tiny speck

On this big, big planet.

Yes, you love this song

But I did, too

Probably before you loved it

And definitely before I knew-loved-hated you.

How can I ever find joy again

If you're constantly there

A trace of you everywhere you're not

A ghost that keeps pressing

Pause?

How will I ever rid the music of such tainting memories

If I don't try making new ones

Of my own?

You loved this song

I love this song

And I press

Play.