love looked like packing a bag

and running away

to sleep in a hotel

like a dozen flowers

for a dozen

unspoken apologies

an untouched dinner,

locked doors with fractured handles,

broken telephones and things flying across the room

while my brother and sister’s cries

fell on deaf ears.

helpless

(I’m sorry I was helpless too)

love sounded like screaming and yelling and sobbing

shattered glass,

and doors slamming shut

I dream about the echoes of love

love smelled like a six-pack of beers

Blue Moon to be exact

like creamy, rich sandalwood

from the burning of incense,

an aroma that kept a secret.

love was the colors

of blue and green and brown and purple

like the bruises left on my skin

love was red too,

like sore eyes

and the way

my skin flushed

after a harsh touch

loved tasted like salty iron on my tongue

as my lips bled

and my eyes wept

i’ve looked for a love that felt familiar

this is the only love