the time freeze that keeps me
glued to your words.
two sun spins &
still i'm
here.
those whirls where hanging
sounds free &
like it would match.
i could just
let my lungs swim
in the air you stole.
maybe the tasteless can still be
sweet.
or at least the after wouldn't
give my mouth something it can't shake.
i want my steps to be mine
not ones trying to put days & minutes between
us.
or my words not to be dripping with
you.
i move & you shadow
counting down months until my home is yours
& i won't be able to look back.
those papers don't make you farther
& those bars don't keep you from slipping into my days.
did i run or win?
or will you always stand straighter
because you entered & poisoned
the bits of me i have left.
