I practiced every word I’d say, Every breath in place. You can say no. I planned for that. I learned your quiet before your tone, Counted your pauses like they were my own. Every kindness you gave away Still felt closer than it should that day. I kept my hands where you could see, Stayed polite, stayed carefully clean. I told myself I’d wait it out— But wanting doesn’t fade with doubt. You don’t have to choose me now, I don’t need a vow. Just don’t tell me this is wrong When it’s lasted this long. Rivers of red in my chest tonight, Quiet devotion, heavy and bright. You said no like it was enough, Like love just stops when it gets too much. Rivers of red, I hold it in, Every feeling disciplined. No scene made, no words said— Just silence. Just red. You call this space, you call it kind, Like distance changes what’s in my mind. But I don’t love the face you show, I love the truth you won’t let go. You say my name like it’s a line, Soft and firm at the same time. I nod like I understand— You don’t see where I stand. I won’t touch what isn’t mine, I’ll just love you out of time. You don’t owe me anything— That’s the part that makes this sting. Rivers of red in my chest tonight, Quiet devotion, heavy and bright. You said no like it was enough, Like love just stops when it gets too much. Rivers of red, I hold it in, Every feeling disciplined. No scene made, no words said— Just silence. Just red. I don’t need your yes right now. I don’t need a reason how. I don’t need you to explain— I can carry the weight. Rivers of red in my chest tonight, Quiet devotion, heavy and bright. You said no like it was enough, Like love just stops when it gets too much. Rivers of red, I hold it in, Every feeling disciplined. No scene made, no words said— Just silence. Just red. You called this the end. I called it unfinished.
