we finally settle in the reaction mixture
at a point where the colours stop swirling
in a world where they cannot see
there is just enough of you to keep me going

tunnel lights gradually fade to make way for golden memories
once upon a time when you and I talked for hours without pausing for breath in between
my voice falls soft as you gently catch them
with awkward laughs and lame returns that trap me
if it makes you uncomfortable
I won’t even breathe

how do I tell myself not to be greedy
that this is the best we can be
anymore of anything would just leave us sizzling with heat
keep the monster at bay
let us just stay this way

we finally settle in the reaction mixture
you unknowingly add a little warmth with your smile
and the equilibrium is upset again