sweet sixteen forever. you would have blushed again, and then owned your age with the quiet rush of your fingertips against my hair. the simple blessing you said i would always have, i want that once again. please.

i stayed long after you were gone, trying so hard to make sure i never forget. long silver hair. the self conscious smile that followed each time you told me i should stay a little longer because you didn't know when i'd visit you next. the lines of your palm, hands i couldn't find the courage to touch once more because this time they would be cold.

its fading away. one of these days i will walk into the spaces we shared and not look for you. i didn't stay long enough.

Arid

torn?
they're no longer red-
the rims of eyes
you wait patiently by

remember?
where
homeless journeys
Ended
along the course
of wasted veins
scarlet-split tile.

did it ever
cut deep
enough, sweetheart?

nevermind, you
can't drip back
into pain again

some April, soon
you will cease
with the khamsin

anonymous dust
falling
off someone's lashes
someone
with tears,
still

so, nevermind.