I loved your photograph from when you were my age
taken by my father; distilled time
raven hair and raven eyes
diamond glazed and ruby stained
The shine of your lips against his burning execution
I loved you against the shadow of summer nights
standing with the smokers, quiet
your voice ever sharp; poignant
distinctly placed and well put
The burn of their cigarettes like little glowworms
I loved you for every glance and every touch never
given to me; I waited with hope
stuck between my child ribs
blood pouring and the years dying
The memory of you fading with absolute precision