I always swore  

I’d never etch love onto pages

but I’ve become obsessed with

Florida license plates,  hoping

to catch a glimpse of  your face  –  

driving among metal ants. 

I always swore  

I’d keep your name  

curled as a secret on my tongue,

but lately it seeks release

from my lips –  

like a kiss that never breathed 

I – a cure

you thought you sought but

now the space between 

the past and future –

remains a hidden trap of leaves 

and I –

the only victim claimed

your voice – a lost whisper 

my eyes – a shield of memory

your mind was mine

so was your soul

but I morphed into a pangolin 

destined to be chosen

then left broken

still pierced beneath hard scales.