fire poppy

Another almost

this time we both knew it was doomed from the start

me in California; you, two states apart

still my foolish heart fluttered.

It must be some kind of curse

to care this much

this fast

to have a heart that wants to pour

to never be able to be nonchalant

never scared to say i’m feeling you.

Would that someone still the silly little thing—-

vibrating, cowering, floating

in my chest

wrap thick fingers around its slender feathered wings

and squeeze.

not enough to crush

but enough to slow its incessant

attempts to soar.

Remember when you pressed down on it?

kept it grounded for me

pressed my back down into my duvet,

lips and eyes locked in a promise; in a goodbye

did you feel it leap up to meet you then?

Not all fires keep you warm

ash and feathers pollute the skies.

Oh! what madness that won’t let a flame die.

it’s a dry summer in California

and i almost let it burn