Whispers in a Prism

Asleep in your arms

in sunlight

.

the park, a bubble

painted on the grass

as our palace in quarantine

.

you look at the couples

and whisper stories of them

in my ear

.

the way you whisper to me

while I sleep

in your bed

in my bed

our bed

.

the way you whisper to me

while I sleep

to tell me

you'll always be there for me

you'll always be here

with kisses

.

the way I whisper to you

when I am sure

you're asleep

—and then I only whisper still

in small breaths—

because I am scared you will hear

the truth in

I love you...

.

you are strange to me

your heart, warm

your words, reassuring

and understanding

patient as rain

on our prism

.

I'm scared I'll hurt you

with I love you's

if someday they were cut away

by doubt

or some other ugly

part of me

.

and you are too scared

to tell me you love me

too afraid I might leave you

.

forgive my fragile heart

it loves you more that it can hold

and all the light seeps out

.

so what am I to do now

you know my secrets

and I can no longer hide

nor pretend I am not mired in affection for you

.

what can I do but feel

your sunlight against my skin

.

what can I do but hold on

tighter

so you don’t slip away

as a sunray

at night

.

7/5/2020