so this is what it comes down to: trying to ease the ache in my chest long enough to close my eyes and keep them closed.

trying to clench my teeth hard enough to lock the screams inside my throat and the bitter words behind my wishing lips

it comes down to sore sides from soundless sobs and shortened fngernails with missing paint. it comes down to attempted, breathless explanations of my lack of sleep.

it comes down to screaming at the ceiling and letting faucet water scorch my back until it washes away any traces of your chest.

this is what it comes down to. ink in my blood and you on my mind like every day since the fireworks and that desperate kiss. it comes down to muscles pulsing with overuse and shallow breaths stinging my skin and no other way to drive away the heartache-

torn letters and empty bottles and too many love songs left on the strings of my guitar than i have patience to try and count.

this is what it comes down to. five hundred things to say and five hundred miles to go but not enough strength to make it through the night.