Your nails dig deep

Your nails dig deep into my hands
We are scared, but trusting, shiver

All is for the best and all will be well
Sirens call the people

The lights of the aurora fade in the sun
and then a sudden darkness

The stone is pushed with silent force
Dirt, torn fingers, scarring

The light again, the screams, the silence
Nobody breathes. No-one says the word.

How many heartbeats

How many heartbeats in a lifetime?
How many can I save for you?

In ancient times it was believed that, illness and violence permitting, you lived until your heart had beat a certain number of times. I think I read somewhere recently that scientists had found some evidence for this.

My heart races, chases, races when I am with you.
I feel my box of heartbeats ebb towards empty.

It makes sense I suppose. All other things being equal, heart muscle bumps and thumps until it tires, slows (perhaps) and stops.

I lie, relax and stretch when I know you will not be with me.
I feel my chest rise, fall, rise again. I feel the heartbeat slow.

Because, you see, if I don’t use too many heartbeats when you are not here, I have more to use when you are.

I’m saving all my love for you. My love.
I’m saving all my heart for you. My love.

*****

How many heartbeats in a lifetime?
How many can I save for you?

My heart races, chases, races when I am with you.
I feel my box of heartbeats ebb towards empty.

I lie, relax and stretch when I know you will not be with me.
I feel my chest rise, fall, rise again. I feel the heartbeat slow.

I’m saving all my love for you. My love.
I’m saving all my heart for you. My love.