“Let Me Stay” – a Poem

I burn for you.

I barely know you,

but I want to protect you. 

I want to hold you,

and tell you 

It’s all going to be okay.

Even though

we both don’t feel that way.

My heart hurts,

because yours doesn’t

beat for me.

You said

“Do your own thing”

and I’m confused,

because you held me

and told me I had pretty eyes.

You told me I was comfortable,

“like we just fit together.”

You rehearsed the things I told you,

my brothers’ ages, 

my dogs’ names.

You looked at me fondly,

you held my waist,

you left kisses on my cheeks.

And then you just left. 

You can’t even look at me.

You can’t even stand near me.

And I know something happened,

but you won’t say what. 

Was it me or you?  

You’re on the decline,

but so am I.

We’re drowning in our heads,

and I see you fighting

but you can’t see how hard I’m kicking.

Don’t let it get cold,

reach for me,

let me warm you. 

Let me lift your heavy heart.

Let me calm your running mind. 

Let me in.

• poem
• relationships