I grasp a rose
between my teeth
& lie alone
in silence
clenching you.

Virtue & integrity
cling to my bones
like spent pieces of armor
carrying the
dings & dents of
loving-combat.

My thoughts of you
& what you do to me
are forever imbedded
in my tortured mind,
now too weak
to follow principles,
for my heart does overly lie
& my lips remain sealed.

In agony,
I await the coming sun
to bring me light,
& to stop this internal fight
of loving you.