Pile above it small twigs and dried-up pine needles.

When you hear the soft grumbles of hunger,

Wait for the little I bring: wheat flour and raw sardines.

Blow on the flame

I’m only a few minutes away. The smell of smoke doesn’t bother me

Let it linger between the things you wear, your hair covered in ash

I’ll wash each strand for you

Just wait a minute

I’ll be there.

I’ve been walking for the past week or two,

Saving up my bus fare to buy gifts for you.

Hope you receive them with open arms.

I bought little things

Like

I love you cards and the spring mattress you needed.

Nothing big

Like

Rings embedded with diamonds.

Nothing that might

Make a friend jealous.

Just enough to let you know that you’re not the only one who’d take a face full of smoke

For the other.

That you’re not the only one on your knees, praying the light won’t die.

A simple sigh for the simple life I come packaged with is alright.

It’s okay to want a night out with steak every now and then.

I’ll make it right on my end

So that you may hear

The subtle clinks of expensive wine glasses.

So that you may feel

The subtle silk cling, like a second skin.

But for now,

Wipe the ashes from your gown

But know that I’ve seen it.

Read the words within this card

And know that I mean it:

“I love you”

I mean it.