Old Time's Sake

he whirled me around the world for a while
we slow danced in our classic style
and at that moment
tangled limbs and lazy spins

i knew.

i'd love him as long as my soul lives
and i didn't think
i didn't think when i whispered it
he would wilt in my arms and weep
trembling and racking in waves
as i held him
years and days
and streams of lonely sorrow
soaked my left shoulder

we were so still

only his sobs filled the silence

he gave me his heart
i only gave him my shoulder
to dump the weight of my depart
and when he ran dry
he walked away
red faced and ruined

i ran my fingers across my shoulder skin
and tasted his tears
surprised how salty bitter is

i left without a word
and i didn't think
i didn't think
as his tears absorbed into my skin
into my solemn soul