The words I could have said
Were just left hanging in the air—
Pressured to that point,
Then pinpricked away.

These weakened lungs,
From which each year strength escapes,
Just let out another empty breath
And sunk back into place.

I'm learning now all the time,
And fearing it every day, that
To live is not to have breath
But to have it taken away.

02/15/2001

Posted on 04/24/2003
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