I know there’s a universe inside you
fearful of where I may tread
in danger
--I may pick an improper flower
           …skip rocks into rivers whom find it hard enough just to flow
I’ve heard the laugh of a little girl
--with my ear pressed against your chest--
as she bound into the tidal’s
            of an insomniac sea
She fell into silence
lacking a savior
--For I was too weak to jump walls you refused to let crumble

            …traced my fingertips across your hallow
            --hoped to find hidden crevices
                        to crawl beneath your skin
                      to save Hope from drowning
Walls collapsed
--far too late
A scrap of a girl
            left to resuscitate
a muted voice
within a mouth that held the verdict
                        For, without Hope
                                    I fear Love dies of loneliness