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Previous Post
Next Post
Dec 25
poem
Drift

Empty Hands

I.
You sit beside me in english.
I don't know when
or why we started talking,
but we did.
Something about you seemed,
untouchable,
like I could reach out to feel
your fluffy curls
and then you wouldn't be there,
that it would be fingers
grabbing hopelessly at mist.
And that's what I loved.

II.
We talk constantly.
The teacher hates it.
She threatens to separate us,
and I can see your face growing red
as she openly lectures us on the disrespect,
and yes I felt bad,
but it meant talking to you.

III.
I curl into your solid chest,
my spine pressed tightly
against wiry muscle.
I can feel your arms wrap around me.
This is the warmest
and the safest I've ever felt.
Is this love?

IV.
We talk less.
I made you a Christmas present.
You cram the paper
into your backpack,
shrug,
and walk away.
I can feel the hot tears brewing
and threatening to pour.
My cheeks burn
and my fists clench.
I resist the urge
to reach out
and grab at mist.

V.
You're on the other side of the bed,
absentmindedly tapping at your phone.
I close my eyes
and silently wish
I was home.

VI.
We grow apart.
Organically.
There were a few spats,
but nothing outrageous
or as dramatic as I wish.
My mother still asks me about how you're doing.
I haven't seen you in a year.
And we haven't spoken in two,
maybe three.
Isn't that strange?

VII.
I wonder how you're doing.
My heart can't help but ache
to know that you are safe
and content.
And I don't know why
I'm tearing myself up
over an enigma
that is cold
and beautifully absent.
  • Drift's blog
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Posted: 12.25.18
About the Author: Drift
MSG / CONTACT
RECENT LOVES
  • Germination
  • Sour Secrets
  • We Are
  • Different
  • My box of feelings
RECENT COMMENTS
  • Aw, I'm so glad it made you
  • Aw, thank you Shannon. I
  • Your word choice and language
  • I love how simple this is.
  • Of course I had to share this

Other Posts

  • Early Afternoon
    I.You stole all of the blankets.I'm not mad,just a little cold. Read more
    in poem 3 Comments
  • Tear Soaked
    You called me,asked me over the phone.I could hear the tears Read more
    in poem 2 Comments
  • For My Parents Half A World Away
    Alternate Title: I Don't Know You But I Love You Just the Same Read more
    in poem 0 Comments

Discussion

Comments

  1. 21haze_f
    Dec 26, 2018

    I love this!

    Fiona H

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  1. Drift
    Jan 02, 2019

    Thank you!

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  1. JuliaR
    Jan 06, 2019

    This is a really beautiful piece... I enjoyed the evolution of the story and admire the realistic rise and fall of you characters relationship. Truly love your work here.

    -Julia R.

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  1. Drift
    Jan 23, 2019

    Thank you! I'm happy to hear that the story of this relationship seemed natural and realistic

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