Flame

He said it would be better
if he had never met me
and wonders
why I take offense -

We are all just children
masquerading in these
grown bodies
with our wrinkles and scars
worn like badges
probably still hidden somewhere
in our parents' attics

But every time we lay ourselves
bare as a clear night sky
we wonder, we demand why

Why can't we stop this demeaning
turning of time
this out of control rotation
of the Earth, the Universe,
and the thoughts within our minds

You are all I think about
the sound of your voice
the shape of your mouth
and here we are
losing touch
spinning once again

It never stops
and I will never stop
not when it ends
or ceases to begin

You have a place here
outside the tumult of this Earth -
residing deeper than my bones
is this home for you
where no one else can see

How deep you sink
inside of me
like an anchor
catching bottom
catching the ribs
and the broken bits
the sand and reefs
of the sea of me

I cannot help but imagine
all the days and all the ways
and the great cities we would
lay to waste
together

But he said it would be better
if that night had never happened
and these feelings never started
but you are a fire
and I'm just a flame