Until

--

Your smile is artificial
Your wrists dirty with scars
Lungs blackened slowly
Exhalation winter-morning grey

Fingertips callused to match
A heart toughened by time
Weathered – and still you hold
A stoic demeanour

Until

You cry
(I'll remember your eyes)

I am the honesty in the upturn of your mouth
I am the balm that heals your wounds
I am the unstained cascade
Of your breath

Your hands are smooth against me
Your heart an open embrace
Your laughter genuine (for once)

And then

You cry
(I'll remember your eyes)

--