Hiding

I used to pound phrases
out of concrete slabs

away when I lived
under shady trees --

but I gave it all up
to be here tinkering
with you.

And I can't say I'm
better for the wear.

I can't say I'm
much more
than lonely;

but life doesn't
want me to leave,
not even
you.

If I sink down
through the space
of lives clashing
too long
I'll never find
a way to express
even my most
mundane fears.

Like,
I wish I could have
a cup of coffee,
and ease the ache --
get beyond this mess.

But that's not easy
to speak
in this fragile
place.

I should know
we're in trouble
when it takes
two
car trips
around the block
just to
gather the knowledge
to say
"I'm hurt."

Love isn't a blanket

or a wall of hope and trust

it's not much,
really,
compared to loss

except that it lingers
half as close.