the peonies

 

three weeks later all my sheets
were crumpled on the floor
and the sunshine broke the room into pieces
and the curtains moved
like you did when you slept

i wish you could feel
how hot my cheeks got at night
i think they are like the peonies
by the front steps
i think you left because i made you feel
alone
you understood
that i could not love you

i am staring across the room
and the sunshine cracks my face where the pink
is slowly leaving
and there is salt where your hands used to rest
and as much as i want to
i can't blame you

but i can drink and forget your name
and pretend
the ocean is outside my window
and the sun will finally set on cheeks
where no flowers
will ever grow