the time around us kept on running
but we stayed stagnant.
the trees tremble around us as the wind shrieked.
i never listened to the world
but to you, i always listened
i listened to all the blades you threw at me
piercing my ears, pushing it deeper,
ripping my insides into shreds
allowing scarlet to cascade down my ears
i’ve always kept it for myself so you won’t ever worry.
i wasn’t sure if i was enough for you
and in the midst of tearing myself up to change for you,
i open my gaze downwards out past the soot-black air
my eyes trailed and focused on the pool of red.
breathing into my ear,
please—stop.