Holding my heart so it doesn't break in his presence.
I've been known to have to steady my breathing at his smile,
as my own returns with red cheeks.
As the subject of my never ending sentences, he calls upon pauses that
should not be there.
As my friend, he shares.
His heart cannot mention my name.
While my heart can only scream his.
I've been seen caressing his skin with my gaze.
Memorizing his shape.
I've dreamt of how his lips round his words.
As I replace friendship with love.
My heart hangs heavy when I hear his voice.
My pulse races with his scent.
As he walks past, her on his arm.
Unlike any of the others, he kills me and keeps me alive.
by Teresa Fiehn
