It only hurts when I breathe.
My heart trying to find
a way to numb this pain,
a facade to ease my mind.

I stare at the clock
that no longer moves.
Not forward, not backward.
Not sure what it’s trying to prove.

I think it’s there watching me too,
wondering what broke me.
Lifeless, we both are stalled,
remembering what use to be.

Tick tock, tick tock.
I remember that sound.
Peaceful and steady,
but now nowhere to be found.

Lost amidst the heartache
of once upon a time.
All my stars have fallen,
no longer able to shine.

Maybe they fell long ago,
not knowing it was their turn.
Their memories trailing far behind,
remembering the brilliance of their burn.

I thought that love was eternal,
able to survive it all.
Never expecting the shock,
of this never-ending fall.

If only time could start again.
Maybe then I could believe,
eventually my fall will land
and it won’t always hurt to breathe.

~ Kristie Bueno