A short haiku set I penned during my commute home today. It’s meant to be read in succession, though some do have the legs to stand on their own.
Thank you for being here.
only yesterday
i confessed the strange pleasure
i find in sadness
in my admission
it seems i’ve made it appear
curtain descending
sternum constricting
my ventricles gently squeezed
from tender heartache
shadowy embrace
the ghost of a lover’s hold
face and form phasing
i am reminded
of all those i’ve lost before
and those i’ve yet to
if you have known me
for any amount of time
you know what i say
i cry finitude!
turn towards your impermanence!
that’s why things matter!
but in this moment
i want to suspend the truth
cling to forever
i want to believe
i’m above the laws of men
and immune to loss
the shadowy ghost
becomes a snake in my ear
silky sibilants
hissing suggestions
like you won’t lose anyone
if they lose you first
that once the heart stops
the heartbreak stops; once eyes close
the tears cannot flow
i coax the snake down
from my shoulder, and guide it
into my pocket
where i’ll keep it close
and say thank you, i see you
but i’m in control
i’ll nod to myself
i’ve got it under control
i have control. right?
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