I waited for your reply until the dust covered the table where the letter lay unopened. (It never came) (No words) (Nothing) I spoke aloud to the night, hoping the stars would answer in your voice. (They stayed mute) (Cold sky) (Empty) I filled the room with candles so I would not feel alone in the dark. (The flames died) (Bare wick) (Ash) I searched the mirror for proof that my mouth still remembered your name. (It forgot quickly) (Faded sound) (Void) I built a hundred sentences in my head but could not force one past my lips. (My throat closed) (Held shut) (Silence) I carried the silence with me into sleep, and woke to find it larger than before. (It grew louder) (Vast room) (Hollow)
