your hand is warm in mine
for the extra second we hold on
before we have to let go
and pretend
we don’t share a million secrets
between us.
and your gaze lingers
longer than it’s meant to
and i only know
because mine lingers
a little longer
too.
the warmth of your touch
is like electricity
leaving a mark
under my skin
where it’s brushed
never to be the same.
i suppose it’s true
when they say grief
is the price we pay for love
but how i often wish
that love
could be enough.
and the stuttered
words of farewell
that stop short of saying
how we truly feel
are all too painful
in my throat.
so i instead i say thank-you for the company,
be careful
and drive safely.
i tell you to look after yourself
and that i’ll see you soon
for coffee.