i swing from the chords of your voice,
in your last message.
the one where you said you'd be by later

your skin smooth and subtle
the stark lights flickering
i held onto your hand
until mine was as cold as ice

my phone left behind
filled with echoes of birthday wishes
a incessant dinging
ding
ding
don't go

i light a candle when i get home
there's no cake but i still blow out the flame
i make my only wish
to have you back