for the tarnished hearts

𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔

you are here—

i can feel your breath in my ear and your warm waist against my hand

but your body is not enough to hold you, your glowing, thrashing spirit,

because you are there—

up in the endless sky, dipping your fingers in wine

before dragging them across the unravelling spools of cotton.

the bitter sunset drips with merlot,

and i can taste your stained fingertips in my mouth.

you are here—

my head is pressed against your chest

but your heartbeat

lies in the frothing, wailing waves, eternally crashing against the shore,

rhythmic and relentless,

and for a moment i believe you are immortal.

i kiss the salt off your lips, brush the sand off your nose

and try to bring you home.

you are here—

my fingers are tangled in your dark auburn curls

that tumble over freckled sunburnt shoulders,

but you are there—

lone cardinal with fire-tipped wings taking flight,

spiraling, with a gold-dusted trail,

up into the light.

where are you now, my love?

look at me and know you can rest

in the lines in my palm, in any of the chambers

within my heart,

know i can hold you as the universe has held you,

and your tired soul can rest against mine,

two lanterns in a rich velvet night.

let me know you properly—

i will ask the misty-eyed moon for her blessing,

ask every star in the sky why they love you so

and build the constellation of their celestial kisses on your skin.

you are here.