before/after

We never said goodnight.

So high on the certainty of the morning,

fat on the surety of tomorrow.

There was no need.

There was just no need.

…

I would lick the insides of your eyelids to taste a tear that might have fallen for me

I would gather up your hair from the sink, graze my cheek with it as if you’d kissed me roughly

I would slide my fingers into the worn indentations in the soap so I could hold your hand

I would make a crown of your teeth and toenails so everyone knew I was your May Queen

I would stand in your shoes until roots crack through the soles and I am Oak

I would say goodnight to you forever. I would say goodnight to you forever.