The Stray

I was born in the sunshine of your house. I remember the soft fold of your smile, As you read me bedtime stories, Sprouting in my memory, The fall of your heavy dark hair, Like velvet, As you bent to kiss me good night. And, just as clearly, I remember the darkness, emptiness, that fell Over us; The empty space that was you. Broken fences and runaway tears We couldn't hold in, Crashing anger and grief. Alike in our sadness and our looks, I longed to break through the barbed wire of our hearts, But couldn't. I go now Where I can see: The flowers blooming; Trees, thick as wool woven in a loom; Clouds blowing free, Behind black boundaries. Where I can see me And not just your shadow. I go now Not because I don't love you But because I know I can't love if I can't breathe.