Long Detours

 i asked her what she wanted, but she wouldn't say. 

her voice wilted. her gaze stale. 

the years negotiated their price. we lost the auction. 

i told her what i wanted, but received no reply. 

her silence harsh and jagged as it made its path  over my skin. 

our words humming fluorescent in my head. 

blue and empty. 

all our nothings felt like they might add up to something. until i stopped and checked my math. 

every touch like cardboard tearing over corners much too sharp. 

i asked her what it was that we had been. 

my voice swollen with want. 

if she answered, i was gone before  she replied.