We were us

My voice is fading,
Due to the words
That fall,
Tumble,
Out of my mouth.
Lips cracked and bruised,
As they stretch,
To cover
A war, hidden inside. 

In the beginning,
It was like a ballet dance,
Perfectly
Timed movements,
Fitting together as one.
No word out of place,
Or feeling unchecked. 

Then you murmured
Soft words,
Late at night,
As the moon
Played quietly
Among the stars.
There were scattered “I love you’s”
And other forget me not’s.

As we danced,
The music hit
Crescendo.
Your voice,
My sweet lullaby,
Became bold,
Saying the words,
Ones shining the spotlight,
Straight at me.
“Beautiful, lovely,”
Things I strive to hold. 

You see,
The effort,
I try.
Just to be me.
Lost in a world,
Full of masked faces,
And darkened places. 

All the words
Whispered,
As you kiss me slowly,
Cradling my face.
As if,
We are the only ones,
Slowly fading,
Into the night. 

The words
Slipped in,
During late night talks,
And sunrise adventures.
Your laugh,
Filling the spaces
In between.

I began to speak,
Opening my eyes,
Seeing your deep blues.
I grasped your hand,
Focusing on
The rough calluses,
Sliding against my skin,
Keeping my mind
From wandering away. 

You read me
Like an open book.
Each breath,
Another line,
Every smile
A new chapter,
Waiting to be discovered.

I see you,
Your hidden story
Deep within
The castle walls.
You let me in,
As I hold on tight,
To the promises we made. 

This is how I like us,
Right here,
In this moment.
Striving,
To love,
Full force.
Yearning,
To find,
A great adventure,
Together.