You move through me like I’m an item
on your to-do list,
a task to complete before the day ends.
Checked off without a second thought
Good morning - check
How are you - check

You ask how I’m doing,
but the answer doesn’t matter.
You don’t stay long enough to hear it
Effort spent only to meet the bare requirements of connection
Just words swept away by the next thing on your list

When did love become so routine
When did you stop wanting to know the little things
Now it’s just a checklist
Questions without care
Answers given without thought
I want more but all I get is the sound of silence
Dressed up as words

I don’t need grand gestures
Just questions you actually want to hear the answer to,
A moment that doesn’t feel like you’re racing for it to be over

But here we are
Me wanting more
You ticking boxes
Good morning - check
How are you - check
I’m fine I guess.
Are we over?