last echo

 there's nothing left.

 i wake at 3:36 with you

 in my dreams, ever so briefly;

 i hear of you from voices

 that pretend to be gods.

 i look for news about you,

 consider reaching out:

 is she ok, why did i--?

 but even in the dream you were silent.

 so in cowardice, or out of care for you

 (why is it so hard to tell)

 i pray for you, old lover,

 and never say a word.

feb 2023