for the unrequited

[blueflame11]

On this most hollow of obligatory and false holidays, my valentine to you, dear reader, is a poetic reminder of love unfulfilled...

Small Shipwrecks

The last time I saw you
was the first-
-the only time-
my mouth learned the softness
of your neck
-the humidity gathering
on your chest
as the faucet
dripped
another drop
and we filled our cups
-knowing this would be the end.

I drank the secrets
pouring from your lips-
-about me
about you
looked into your eyes
and saw clearly
the losses spilled before us-
both minute and titanic
-because we’d never know.

You sipped the water
from the curve
of my collar bone
-bathed my hips
my legs
my toes
as I watched- adrift,
my fingers in your damp hair.

I kissed your face
and told you no
gently
no.
I wouldn’t be your mistress-
wouldn’t sing your siren’s song
-not completely.

You married her
-your albatross-
or so I heard
some years ago.
Pity washed over me-
thick and poisoned pity
that you’d share your life
with such a lukewarm lover-
when all my memories of you
still rise
-like a flood-
despite this calm assurance
that denying you
served us both.

I hope I’m still your secret-
your mermaid mistress-
if only in stray thoughts
and aimless musings.
I hope you raise you glass
to me
as I to you
and that your faucet
always drips
-despite her best intentions-
in remembrance
of me.

-KEA