Reckless burning

We work it up slowly
not in any way that counts
word by word, weaving them together
in a multicolor embroidery of accusations
every day add a little bit more
until all I see is fabric
torn and ridden with moths
damaged in a way I can never repair

You add to the fire quietly
not in any way I notice
fight by fight, mixing them together
in a bundle of chemicals that compound a bomb
every day you push the lit candle closer
until you set the whole thing off
so I can no longer live here
engulfed in flames

Tempestuous and reckless when it suits

your splintered moods

always promise that next time

always sorry and never change

expect me to keep together

what you tear apart like paper

crumple and toss into the fire

and leave me watching the embers go up

We implode on ourselves, burst

like a balloon inflated beyond capacity

with too many vacant words

and too little kindness to each other

I ache for the loss yet rejoice the end

struggle to forgive and manage

a shy smile ages from now

where we reside beneath a scorched sky