You felt surprisingly warm,
and ultimately satisfying.

Your name, your breath, faced pressed on face--provided thrill.

I was occasionally overly grim with you.
I was a vividly vulnerable creature of flesh with you,
but there was sweetness about vulnerability.

It was exciting, and the best thing:
a years-long investment, that became a perfect fit.

But, secrets transformed in your eyes.
Honesty not in your heart.
I want to cry.

Solving this mystery may uncover darker secrets.

But, despite the best effort,
it’s like a pale, brutal, limp memory.
Its colors faded, its distinction wrung out in the wash.
It never really comes together--
Love.