Crumpled Little Things

Don’t waste your affections on me.

They will litter the ground by my feet,

Crumpled little things that might someday

Grow into giant blooming trees

of memory.

 

You fashioned me a torch from

Wood, metal and fabric, and it will

Blaze on until I find my way back

Through the dark Chicago nights.

I have rolled through the rain for

So many hours and the cold water

Ran streaming through my hair and

If you only knew the things I’ve used

For a crutch

and

 

Go. I want you to keep moving.

Your love belongs elsewhere.

He needs you much more than you

need me.

 

I’ll call your name so that you

Turn around. Don’t be afraid as the

Demons snarl and drag me back

into the shadows.

 

A slight smile will grace my otherwise

Downcast visage, and know truly

That I fashioned it only

For you.