I looked around expecting to see light,
But we were doing that dance
Where we talk about poetry,
Or at least what we believe
About the meaning of words
That we toss for fun,
But also for the blood they draw.

The glass was half empty,
But now it has evaporated,
While we argued about
Air and space,
And that thing between us
That we both asked for
But didn’t really want.

I take a sip and choke on the dry,
But I had to prove to myself
That it still tasted like a kiss you once tossed,
Instead of the words you always know
Will leave a mark,
On tender skin,
Where no one else can see.

But I do not have a blameless tongue,
For I know the taste of your tears,
Even though you think I never saw them,
Even though I think I never drew them,
But we both know
It is a daily occurrence
And I have not yet asked forgiveness.

But air and space will not protect us
Because they are not a shield
But a distance that could lose it all,
So I will lay down my darts
And offer something softer
For you to pierce
With words
or kisses.