Words tumble from my tongue,

Breaking and burdening the breeze. 

Things I never meant to say,

Sounds that should not have met my lips. 

Pooling in the ether,

Wavering before you,

Dancing like bait,

My edible heart. 

Everything I can't say and all the things that I can,

Swarming the silence,

Tangling in time. 

Mind filling with fear and wonder,

Fingers slipping between my teeth,

I think. 

I fear. 

I wonder. 

I cling to the silence of your reply. 

If you're silent forever, may I be silent with you,

Sealing my lips shut with bonds of appreciation. 

Consoling myself with the gentleness of your response,

Which is none. 

I turn my back. 

Quiet adheres to the veins of my soul,

Heavy in its emptiness. 

I hear a whisper 

Of an inhale. 

The search for breath,

A sound that has not crossed my lips. 

I look over my shoulder. 

The purse of your pillowed mouth parts. 

You speak.

***