i swear that
nothing ever broke
my heart
like watching you grow
and waiting for
the bottom to fall out.

because your poor little
heart,
it was so whole.
you still thought everything
was good.
and,
worse,
you still thought everyone
wanted to be.

and i, well,
i stood by and watched you
misty-eyed
because even then i knew.
i knew that nothing
is what they tell you.
and i saw it so early
and i thought maybe
that's what broke me.

so i still hoped for you
and your little
wrapped-up heart.
but i was wrong,
of course.
it always had to hit you,
and hit it did.
and the light never faded
from your green, green eyes
but i could tell that
they didn't see like before.

and i just want to say
i'm sorry,
sweetheart.
because this world can be so
ugly
hazy
loud
and i thought maybe i could
keep you for myself.

but i'm a fool's fool,
just like the rest,
and nothing could keep you
from my hungry world.
not even me.