I had to love you until the fire burned all the way out. I gave breath to the embers, begged the coals to stay alive. And when only the smoke remained, I cowered and hid. Finally, laying what was left in a pile of ash outside. I found peace in the daze of smoke and fog, The unknown felt kinder than the typical unrest. When the haze lifted, the pestilence took over. I felt the lonely set in and whisper delusions of what’s next. There were days I carried ghosts upon my back, Co