i never told you
that i see your name in
crimson.
sharp-edged. sadistic.
& cinnamon on my lips.

i never told you
that i see your voice
snake down the walls.
velvet. vibrant.
& viscous with lies.

i never told you
that i see your face
like an echo of memories.
rebounding. reminding.

& more real than you’ve ever been.