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.