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should i walk by your window, and see your
face, heartbeat quickens, i clench my fist more

violently. hidden between brambles of
fear. guarded and silent is my love.

ocean-split chest congested with ice.
for fear has swollen my heart twice

the size, a burst against my ribs, a shot
that stings within my veins. i start to rot,

my ribs are cracked, broken and shattered.
with prozac forgetfulness and tattered

recollection. i cannot recall when
you last said i love you but i’m sure then

you repeated the words i couldn’t hear
i wouldn’t hear, not out of spite, but pure fear.

—By Emma Younger