it’s disturbing to see you sad—
I want to play the fool, to be
your relief, rather than the cause
I fear that I am, and that you
will tire of me, stop waiting
for me to return, and leave—
like when you leave to visit
your sister or mother for days
I worry all horrors will befall you
and I am at a loss what to do
for I cannot conceive of a life
which does not have you near
to reach out for at night
and touch you while you sleep
(March 3, 2017)
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