For Her, Today

love's considered leaving
standing at the back
waiting to be noticed
far too many days
and even longer nights

holding her breath
until it hurt, never
knowing she didn’t
trust his next breath

sweeping up after him
the pile ever widening
with random bits of dirt
or grass his soul carried
like mud stuck in his shoes

aching as she empties
weary of perhaps and maybes
spent and lonely
longing for nothing
save her own company

a breath she can trust
her own moment
away from the voices
in his head

he’s never seen her
standing there
in front of him
his thirst exhausting
his need like arms
that bind, offering
little comfort

slipping out the side door
easier than breathing out
expecting something back