i use big words that you
     sometimes don't understand,
          and i'm sorry.

this time i ran out of words,
     (thinking you might be thankful) -
thinking it might be easier
     to say nothing at all.

               cleaner.
              simpler.

so the words left,
     chased away by shock
          replaced with soundless
               undefined tears
that did not reach
     your flushed cheeks until
          too late.

today i realized that not only
     do you misunderstand my
          words,

but you misunderstand
     the lack thereof as well.


next time,
     if the answer is silence,
          
          *ask again.