A little flicker,

then it is gone

more an echo than anything,

A fleeting thing,

barely even something,

yet we still place our bets

and hope to win.

A chemical reaction

creates a strange domino effect,

sneaking in like a Trojan horse

to usurp the opposing faction.

Emulating warmth and connection,

mirroring the softness in you,

casting spells of pure intention,

praying, hoping for follow-through,

scanning tiny signs of action

to hold up, and call it proof.

Vibes, energies, and platitudes

recycled, vague, and overused

never truly showed up.

Alas, they were never supposed to 

They could never fill my cup,

could never satiate my thirst,

could never be the salve

to cure the hurt.

You gave me hope on layaway

no effort and no follow-through,

just pretty words on backorder,

Currently, all past due.

Two avoidant personalities,

calling this distance a “win–win.”

You name it “space” for self-care

I call it you not checking in.

Seems you get to keep your halo,

While I get cast as “too intense,”

Me in the subordinate position 

Could never, ever make any sense.

Hypothetically, 

not actually.

No one ever wants just fantasy.

Even disembodied souls with hope

wish for love’s reality

to come bursting through with action:

touching the heart,

seeing spirit,

hearing laughter.

tasting skin.

Overheated bodies intertwine and melding,

Breathing in sync, eyes locked in, hearts beating

Presence palpable. there is no mistaking.

Instead of flinching from touch,

we explore sensitivities.

We implore:

Can you help me see?

or was I just a mirror

for the parts you lacked

and wished to be?

Do not worry 

I’m good luv 

your absence finally set me free.