That red ribbon is so wrinkled. Rouge like blood Or rushing anger Or a blaring stop sign. It’s crumpled:

While you were gone, My childhood dog died. I wept for both of you, And I felt like a corpse. While you were gone,

But I’m still a kid Only don’t tell my dad that. He’ll say, no, you’re not a kid And you haven’t been a kid in a lo… I guess that when I cry,

I woke at 3 a.m., And I was scared. I thought I’d never be tired agai… But then I remembered the morning And all the joy it brings.

It’s over. It’s okay. The parting is such sorrow And relief. It hurts like a crushing force,

I sing of a new carol Which starts silly giggles As a speeding blue carriage Runs merrily through the dark.

He thinks I’m pretty And maybe too witty, That I was worth the fight. He claimed he’s so glad. I’m the best he’s ever had.

Not as ardent as before. I’m tired. Slowing down, A tail growing heavier and longer With each day.

Listening to you sleep, I’m in grace. Each breath a prayer. Every rustle a litany. You don’t know how loud you are

I lost my innocence On a king-sized sheet With four posters And the two of us. Just the two of us

Spring into fall, And we’ve all hit a wall. Love comes quickly. Sometimes, it grows. Summer, then rain,

How can somebody Who loves to explore Be so afraid to leave?

In my daydreams, I used to be an acrobat, Flying through air Into capable hands. In my dreams,

Without you, I feel the pain. The rain seems cold now. Thunder is only evil, And the sky is bare and pale.