All Unsent Messages

I hope your heart takes up space, and I keep looking for you in crowds. I’m learning to miss you with kindness. You don’t have to answer.

I hope your plants keep thriving, and I still don’t know who I am without you. I’ll walk forward, softer than before. I’m keeping the promise this time.

I am done cooking meals for ghosts, and I practice the right words in the mirror. If you ever need me, I’ll understand if you don’t call. I mean this kindly.

I learn your absence like a map, though the calendar insists we moved on. I’ll walk forward, softer than before. That’s okay.

I hope you forgive yourself too, and I still don’t know who I am without you. I’ll walk forward, softer than before. I mean this kindly.

I won’t wait at the same station, and I wish I had the courage to press send. I’ll put the phone down now. I’m learning to be gentle.

I visit the same bench at dusk, and it startles me that you won’t answer. I’m choosing to breathe without you.

I mistook silence for peace, and somehow the world keeps happening. I hope you keep the light you found.

I memorize the routes to you, and it feels like weather inside me. I hope you keep the light you found. I won’t rewrite this again.

I hum your tune in empty rooms, and I pretend the universe is listening. I hope you’re loved where you are. I won’t rewrite this again.