STILLER WATERS

I do not dare to share my secrets

when she is shining at her fullest

for fear that her light

will only expose my darkness

if time is the currency we use

to value how special someone is

making it,

sharing it,

and spending it...

you must've been the poorest man on earth

and I the richest

I could sew a quilt

out of all the red flags I let slide.

It could cover a pool and keep it warm,

safe,

on the coldest day

of the harshest winter.

Woven with a myriad of materials,

scattered with repeating patterns.

I could sew a quilt...

out of...

when she moved from

the land of the rising sun

to

the city of stars

Had you told me you were leaving

I would not have remained.

But you dissolved into the darkness

your scent left lingering 

convincing me

that you were still here.

how kind of you to recognize

my favorite colors

as you leave them

scattered across my skin

and dyed into my soul