writing poetry for cicadas

If you're going to write poetry

Tell them about the spaces

Between the stanzas

The stunning pianos

In between the fortes and

dotted lines

The small wildfires

Beneath my ribcage

Rattling a nostalgic melody

When my soul

Locked eyes with yours

The first time

If you're going to write poetry,

I fear that there isn't much to say

You can feel it on my skin

and in the way the rapid current of my eyes

melted last night's makeup

into a decaying pool of ash

a shadowy promise tomorrow

said maybe

turned today

you sent me away

If you're going to write poetry

Leave them breathless and longing for more

Tell them about the story

The one where you almost saved me

Make sure you replay the tune

of velvety icing spattered on obsolete countertops

Where we sang happy birthday

With a sinister look in your eyes

It came in the night with a "thank you"

Left the imposter persevered with

an "I love you too"

Did you tell them about the part,

The one where I loved you back

The time lapse of a million cicadas

Dancing with fireworks

In the middle of July

Did you tell them they went silent?