Sweetheart

If you sink deep enough, you'll find
the echo of a voice in the pit of my stomach.
Like a ghost, an old familiar sound
whispers through me: “Sweetheart.”

Who knew a word could be a dagger?
Any word but that.

A sweetness like honey
stuck in the back of my throat;
the sugar burns, yet satisfies
the bitterness left in my soul.

Your goofy brows, the wink of your eye,
hold me captive in memory once more.
I let myself believe the lie
that when you called me yours,

you meant it.

So did I.