I must not weep
I must not break
I must not cry
a must to fake
I must not scream
I must not bleed
they must not see
this part of me

should I
no I shouldn't
should I
oh how redundant
stand up straight
keep a smile
it has for months
become your style

I must not lose
I must not give in
I must not chase
I must not sin
I must not sigh
I must not waver
I must not hope
I must not miss her.

I hope* you read this letter
every word between the lines

I hope you read the frustration
with what I could not confide

I hope you read the anger
that's left me such a mess

I hope you read the million questions
rattling my little head

I hope you read these swollen eyes
when they were still yours to see

I hope you read these supple lips
when with yours, would still agree

I hope you read these warm fingers
when yours were still willing to hold

I hope you read the little lies
that left your promises bold

I hope you read the love
inevitably bled

I hope you read the hope
amid all the things unsaid

I hope you read the resentment
of letting go so soon

I hope you read these lines
the last ones I write for you