an apparition in the doorway,
your love walked out
but you stayed.
there was once calculation
in how you ran your fingers
up and down my arms-
a subtlety i could not identify
but one i knew was there.
it evolved from a matter of love in the dark
to something you can be afraid of even when the lights turn on;
you are afraid to be afraid.
so now, when you touch me,
it is less of a waltz,
and more of an apathetic amble
across my barren skin.