Enveloped in your arms,

In shadows: a sanctuary of safety, shelter, security. 

Tripped with the idea of fading away, 

To preserve that moment. 

You started to define the galaxies within me and beyond me. 

Crept onto me like winter’s first light. 

I’ll bear your ghost’s silhouette, no dread.

Finding solace in memories, where your silhouette treads. 

Spare me the ache, 

The futile plea,

May your ghost find rest. 

May your ghost revive blood in the flesh it belongs to.

May your ghost morph into the soul it belongs to. 

May your silhouette resurge with flesh, blood, and bones;

Back from the dead. 

Oh–

A truth just dawned on me. 

I loved the shadow, 

Not the flesh.

I loved the delineation,

Not the youth.

I loved the curves of your configuration,

Not the innate human nature to accord pain. 

I loved the silhouette, 

In its quiet, 

Uninvited.