Emotional Thermodynamics

the monsters were quiet as we spent our ropes. all our knots coming undone as we worked each other's loops. the anatomy of want crisp in our throats. as the truth vomited all over our words.

we sheltered inside the other's breath. saying nothing. feeling only skin. as dead as we could be and still taste the fire raging between us.

i surrendered. defeated by the moment. content to drown in the shallows of our need.

we took the first turn. the open path solved us too quickly. the puzzle fell away and we were much too real.

we wore each other like soiled blankets. comforted by the weight of the mud.

we searched for a destination. insisting we could see, even as our eyes remained closed.

these paper hearts only burn so long.