I almost said, “Hello.” // poem by Jessica Lauren Yuppa

I want to say hello

But it’s 1 am and you aren’t home

That light burned out

Some time ago

How do I unlove?

Your turn to turn away

I was told not to make homes

Of humans

The stoicism for which I was condemned

You wear with honor, now

But I see your quivering heart.

Was not, was it?

Was it, was not.

We and you and I and us and he and she who cannot be

And, I guess, never were

I want to say hello

But it’s 1 am and you aren’t home

That light burned out

Some time ago

How do I unlove?

My turn to turn away

I was told not to make homes of humans

Though I never thought I’d live

To see my own ghost