I'd like to remind you
that I think of you every day--
and the thought sticks to me,
then peels away,
like burnt skin--
as if
I love nothing more than the idea of
being surrounded by you,
no matter how much it hurts.

I'd like to remind you of the lessons you've learned--
rise from the ash, my love,
you are not who you thought you were--
so act like it.

I'll remind you that
the "pain" you feel
is just the sensation of blood
rushing back to the limbs and organs
you left empty for a while.

Please don't stay empty for long--
you're a sad little monster.
And the world,
we did nothing to deserve your cold shoulder.