I see you
Staggering
Your breath smells like a bar

I rush to your side
You push me away
You don’t want help

Your wasted lips
Clumsily dumping words
“I’m fine... I’m good... I’m great...”
They slur
You stumble

I steady you gently
I sit you down
I gaze into your drooping eyes

“I know you’re in pain
But, my darling,
This’ll only make it worse
I see you
I see your suffering
You’re not alone
Don’t run from your grief
You’ll never outrun yourself
No matter how many
Memories you drown”

You stare me dead in the eyes

“I’m not running.

I’m just numbing the pain

Until it puts me in the grave.”


And then I fear
I’ve lost you,
My love.