In the Ashes of Our Fire

The smoke rolled effortlessly out of your lips

The cigarette still burning scarlet red between your fingers 

My lips touched yours and I kissed you desperately like water was only a distant memory

It was fog on a humid day; you and me

Smoke and mouths grasping for each other

Time stole every bit of hope that remained and left us standing there like broken pieces that had too many cracks to fit together anymore

Kind warm gazes fell to tired red eyes

Gentle greetings to rough desires

Through the shadows of our disparity I touched your face worn and defeated

Masked with the undeserved afflictions that plagued your youth

Now only the cusp of my lip pressed to yours, afraid to let you go for what we both knew would be the last time

My devotion to save what was left of your euphoria for life numbing as I felt your animosity towards those who so carelessly neglected it

Finally pulling myself from you I looked up to see grief in your thoughts and ash in your spirit

Like the now burned out cigarette that remained between your fingers; fueling your addiction the same way your eyes fed mine

And in that moment I became familiar with the truth that unconditional love isn't always enough