What if,

all I have 

is what you give me 

each soft strand of grease 

already fraying before you can cut them off

the color of too tired almonds 

that you'll never notice 

next to the Centerpiece, pale

and if you listen,

really listen

you'll hear

the gurgle 

of an unsteady crawl 

made by a cry 

Listen.

Now a scream 

described only as bloodcurdling 

it's all I have 

you know,

too loud, too much

it turns your blood to cheese 

chunking in clumps, clinging 

tense up and stiffen 

Come here, I'll hold you 

 

Come here, 

you're all I've got 

 

collapse in my arms 

you'll find my fingers running through every coil of your hair 

I let you touch me and watch the chills dissipate just as they arrive

let the blush linger in my cheeks

after I collect every smile you'll give me 

let me crush the remaining pieces 

grind them up and let them melt 

into a new mold 

and maybe this time you won't drop it

just leave me wondering 

what if all I have

is

i love you? 

 

too bad I adore cliches