é l i s e

they took you away from me, once

to a place where only placid safety exists

and you cried and held my hand

and i remember saying i will not cry. i will not cry for her. 

i remember telling you that sometimes

i prayed to god. and sometimes it worked.

in the night, on the rooftop, 

but smoke curled around us like a blanket.

and you thought it was alright.

sister, soul-mate, best friend.

you are a treasure.

you are a kind, kind creature. 

you are an angel. 

and if i had to offer you a part of me - 

you would deserve every speck of light left in my tar-black lungs.

you would deserve the softness left on my fingers

the tenderness left in my soul when all is said and done.

you would deserve every bit of goodness 

a drifter like me could offer.

but you deserve so much more than my love. 

i want nothing more than to keep you safe.

and if you ever need someone to kiss your cheeks when they fill with oceans

or to keep you warm in the winter of your mind-

call on me.