you knot your
eyebrows in patient anger
while I ask you my
weary questions.

the air-conditioner groans
forlorn tunes,
the ceiling fan murmurs
our twisted story.

outside the sun is setting
casting shadows on the wall
of our fingers entwined
hesitant, resenting.

yet
I feel your
eyes burn my skin,
my lips curved in the smile
you know too well.

you cradle me
as I clutch you.
you kiss me
as I heave.


what have we become?