i saw you first in shades

of black and gray with subtle splash

a color here and on your cheeks

but not your lips.

so perfect…

i could hardly stand to not

reach out and touch you

your still and silent

ghost of forgotten

(forbidden)

you.

so i did—

i reached out one arm

trembling

and paused when I saw

your tears;

but still i didn't stop.

it was my choice.

i didn't stop, i still reached,

and when i touched my hand to yours

you crumbled

and i cried as i felt

your ashes slipping

slip slip