"where waves caress unstable egos

where melody is completely swallowed."


rest is not found
in the threshold of sleep
in the stories of dreams
nor in the counting of sheep.

strength is not found
in the voices of the meek
in the spine of the decrepit
nor in calloused hands and feet.

trust is not found
in feigned courage of the weak
in the birth of a daughter
nor in the heartaches i bleed.
and bleed.
and bleed.

beauty is not found
in wet imprints of kisses on cheeks
in the sanctity of promises
nor in the love languages we speak.

sacrifice, i found, resides
in the bruises my ego keeps
in my lover's judging gaze
and the reciprocity of the moon and sea.

godspeed she said
for the moments you still breathe
godspeed i said
for these moments where i still breathe.