Should I Think of you?
It feels a betrayal;
a jinx on the very thing I covet.
To wish you well, but wish you mine,
and a million other contradictions.

You shine softly like etched brass,
But still I feel the need to
Roughen your surface so paint will stick.

It is poetically just that my
Cynical, Machiavellian discouragement
Only made you dream harder,
Move further away.

But if I let you near enough
to weigh my brilliance and my flaws,
you would not still adore me.
Distance is self-preservation.

Thought and dream being my only options,
and me, with so little self-control...
What brightness I have is just the glow of that kindling,
softly, so that I can still see you
shining all the way out here.

I am close as a wish, tight as a dream
That won't let go, present as
The essence of you that fills
The cracks of my carelessness...

And yet I am disposable:
Transient as foliage; falling
Only to be replaced with new growth.

02/08/2016

Author's Note: It was such a pleasure to work with Richard on this. Being such a big fan of collabs, I am
honored that he was up to give it a try. What do you think?

Posted on 02/09/2016
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