do not breathe no not now

this is not air for breathing

particles fill the sky outside the window

visibly defining smaze

I heard words break in the air

shattered pieces hovering

uncertain not knowing

whether to fall to the nearest walk

or join the next kaleidoscope

weight unrelated to meaning

curses lighter than gossamer

loving terms too heavy to loft

all hanging there intertwined for a moment

then crack crack crack

the burden of conveyance too much

drag the life you never lived

the one you dreamed of as a child

the one you wanted when you heard that song

the one you felt when your head was on her shoulder

place every piece of it you can fit

into the solitary crowded room of your heart

arrange it rearrange it until you’ve made your perfect space

then gently close the door and walk away

never looking back

(For Chris)