there is a darkness
harbored by my ribs
an ivory cage

and i am eating matches
like over-salted french fries
trying to burn
it off

but this isn’t
a movie
and this is not a bid to
die with my lover

my mattress is only
big enough for one
and there just aren’t enough
blankets to simulate the
warmth of another body
laying next to mine

scuffed boots leave streaks
of dirt on striped sheets
like i have somewhere to be
someone to go to
when i can’t sleep

but the sun rises
shines into bleary eyes
and if i squint
the shaft of light
arcing across my carpet
looks like it could be you

that darkness could also
arguably be in the shape of
you and i am still trying to
figure out if that place
is something i should be
ridding myself of
or holding close
with both hands

and these matches are
nowhere near as sweet
as your lips were
on that dark night

but i am shining
bright now
maybe enough for you
to see

and if you don’t
well
then that’s okay
too