Residue

You stood by the lamppost

Like you never left

Same coat, same eyes

Same quiet breath

I said your name like a question

It hung there like fog

You smiled like you heard it

A thousand miles off

We walked without talking

Your hand brushed mine

You said, "still hate the cold?"

I lied, "I don't mind"

The city forgot us

But the wind still knew

How we'd lean into silence

Like it could undo

You're here... still here

Your voice was a whisper

That filled up the street

I felt the years bleeding

Right out of my feet

We stopped at our window

You said, "they repainted"

I nodded, not breathing

My chest turning vacant

I reached for your shoulder

But passed through your coat

Like light through a shadow

That still somehow spoke

You're here... not here

I know... I know

My hands started shaking

You smiled like a wave

Said, "some things don't follow

Once you leave the grave"

I broke like a mirror

And caught every shard

You touched my cheek

And left no mark

Still you stay

In the dust on the glass

In the scent that won't pass

In the sound of my laugh

You're the ghost I outlast

But you stay

(residue...)

Of you

(residue...)

Through me

(residue...)

You leave

But stay

Some love

Doesn't end

It just

Dissolves