has anyone ever told you that your voice
exacerbates the past

your voice gnaws at the edge of my soul
as if my soul is a tough, stale gingerbread cookie that still tastes somewhat? okay

your voice has the appearance of a soft kiss on the forehead at dusk before i scurry back in to have supper, smiling to myself

your voice has the appearance of braids and freckles on a goofy, smiling face and sun dresses on my funny little body

it aches
but that's somewhat? okay