Sixes and Nines

“I understand.” 

But of course I didn't. We never do.

 

Your heart is a minefield.

How do I capture it again without killing myself?

I reach out.

Withdraw. 

Reach out.

                               Terrified to move.

 

If I tell you “I love you,” will my reward be

a smile or pain?

A kiss or tears?

How can I risk that?

How can I not?

 

If I reach out to hold you will

you embrace me and let me breathe?

Or will you hesitate, pull slightly away,

and destroy me?

 

I am lost, drowning, so far gone that

sometimes I forget you are lost too.

 

So I just stand here and hope.

Hope that we find each other again.