the difference a year makes

we were reminiscent of the starlets,

satin skirts on babydoll bodies,

stolen eyes under elegant names.

we were the soft hum when the movie came on,

you the warm breeze | i the anxious knee

and we barely spoke yet

i knew

in the pools of silver saturation,

where the ashes of burnout pile and fade

you would be there

to smoke an apology,

to roll up a goodbye.