The Speed of Sound

[sawahthehippi]

After several sessions, they said
my mind moved too quickly
for my mouth to catch up.

I chase my thoughts like raindrops
spiraling in breathless air,
scaling me, their eyes scared and shining.

I'd watch them fall across the window
from my car seat, stained like storms.
And as they'd race toward the edge,
I'd hedge bets.

But inside, I move slow as time,
as Earth
red rocks and rising tides
climbing down and up
in lines
you traced with your fingertips.

When you left me, you moved like my mind.
Quickly,
you trembled over me,
crumbled me,
finally,
the darkening tranquility
falling open,

frail as rain.

As if I, earthly, only weighed you down.

Since then, I have found
a canyon,
that sits between my ribs,
small and silent, spooned away,
like a grave made for a raindrop.

I think it’s always been there.

And if you hugged your ear against it,
(like you used to,)
you'd hear the ocean,
gently rocking you,
washing you
away.