My mouth never said the words, but my love
For you did. I’d caress your check, remind you
To take your medicine. You would smile and
Groan, and even say thank you, but you never
Gave my heart back.

You would leave with no word said to me. I
Would wait in our bedroom, head flat on the
Dingy pillow, telling myself “I didn’t need you.”
But then I would catch myself wanting you back
Into my arms. I would catch myself hoping you
Would change. I would catch myself hoping
You would fulfill the promises you once made
To me.

Years have gone by. Tears have been held back
By anger. Yells have bellowed through thin walls.
Our daughter is grown. Her brown skin shines like
A fresh new leather belt, a mighty force behind her.
Her words slick and painful, yet soft and loving.
Her eyes fierce with ambition; she is a woman.
She is moving forward and I —I am stuck with
You.

I deceived myself with superficial love. I prayed to
God with calluses on my feet due to the sixteen
Hour shifts I take at work to provide for us and our
Daughter. I guess God never did convey my message
To you. My heart no longer beats for you I told him. The
Old wooden Box you stored it in. It died, and with it,
My compassion for you.