You remained untouched, still

I called to you in silence,
you turned with a quiet smile—
yet would not let me touch your pain.

I wanted to inhabit your body,
blind with wild desire—
yet never revealed your hunger to me.

I made you witness to love,
touched lips with breath—
yet in the shame of fierce touch
would not let my eyelids grow wet.

I gave you letters from sleepless centuries,
even accepting indifference—
yet would not thread the sighs
of weary hours into my memory.

I departed in silence,
though burned by anguish—
yet my heart refused to inscribe
your address within my chest.

I had said "I love you,"
lingering in old habit—
yet would not let that hint
of death reach my ears.