Things you're not supposed to say

I have something to say

but I can't say it.

So how about this, 

instead.

How about I never saw you coming,

walking through June 

like it was a ring of fire 

and then you.

You in all your morning glory.

You with a cigarette 

between your teeth.

You on my doorstep 

trying to make me listen to you.

I know all the stories, 

someone is always leaving in them. 

So here,

take a copy of my keys.

Leave your jacket. 

Make this harder 

than it has to be. 

Make this a disaster 

because you know 

I live for that.

I was napping on the couch 

when I dreamed 

that you got on a plane 

and left.

I thought it was a nightmare.

At least until you called 

from the airport 

and begged me 

to come meet you, 

then maybe stay forever.

I said yes.

And I know it's not right,

to say things like this. 

So I'll only say it once.

Listen closely. 

Are you listening?

Bring your ear to my mouth.
I would follow you anywhere.

I would.

God, I would.

m.f. // Things you're not supposed to say

I can wait

If you need to be angry at someone, 

be angry at me. 

And if you're sad today 

or tomorrow 

or in a week from now, 

talk to me about your problems. 

I want to help, 

just show me how.

If you need to tell someone 

about your day, 

tell me. 

I will listen to you grumble 

about how you embarrassed 

yourself in public 

and we'll laugh. 

I'll help you realize 

it doesn't matter 

as much as you thought.

If you need a quiet moment 

while you're sober, 

or non-stop conversation 

while you're drunk,
I'll be there. 

If you need a hand to grip 

when you're in pain, 

or a song in your head 

before you sleep, 

let it be me.

And if in a month you decide 

you've moved on 

and it doesn't hurt to mention 

her name anymore, 

I'll still be here. 

If you need someone to love, 

love me.

m.f. // I can wait

Bad timing

In three years time, 

you're standing 

at the crossroads 

when you see her. 

She's got a black 

leather bag hanging 

off one shoulder, 

and a pearly white 

ribbon around her neck. 

Her head moves along 

to a song you can't hear. 

She opens her eyes 

a little wider 

and then smiles 

and gives you a wave. 

There isn't much time 

for talking as you 

walk past each other 

and the green man 

begins to flash. 

You think her hair 

looks different, 

not the color or the style, 

but the way it frames her face. 

She doesn't look so girlish 

when she says 'hey' 

and offers you a grin.

And when she walks past, 

you can't help 

but turn and watch. 

You wonder who 

listens to her talk about 

the universe at night, 

or who carries her home 

when she's too drunk. 

Three years ago she told you 

that she loved you. 

Today you almost 

say it back.

 m.f. // Bad timing