the salt you taste

the salt you taste in my blood
comes from the sea
you will never forget it
as I will never forget

the depth of the water

when I arrived

when I arrived
you had already left
carrying diamonds

your hair was a different colour, length
your clothes
your face
but the diamonds in your hand
were the same as ever

by the time I reached the top of the hill
your ship was already nearing the horizon

I do not want or need the diamonds
I need only your forgiveness

together now let us fall
together now let us fall apart
together now let us fall apart together

I cannot hope to heal your heart
But I can try to dry your tears

long before the fire
bare-boned branches against the sky
stars slowly emerge

the iron presses out the wrinkles in my shirt
if only
I think
if only

but then
the iron brushes against my hand

the first day
of the final month
the first minute
of the final hour

time slips slickly slickly by
until the final wish is granted

you taught me
the simple act of breathing in
was inspirational

in the moment
in the bath
in a lover’s dreams

I fell while running, thinking of elsewhere, distracted.
Flies were heavy, slow and black.
Blood flicked as I waved them away.

I held the pain; it was mine.

Changing tack (this is how distraction manifests)
I know one day, elsewhere, your heart will break
as all hearts break.

Your pain will be yours
but not yours alone.
It will not break you; nothing can.