For You

I like to run.
So I ran from you.

Pounded my feet into concrete
Instead of fists into books
Like I used to
Because words hurt more than
Running away.

I ran in bare feet
So I could cry over you
But blame it on the blood.
My feet tore and my heart ripped,
You took out my pages.

I was wordless.
It was my fault.

I ran in the rain
Because fresh water tasted better
Than salt.

I ran because running
Is easier than falling,
Especially when you feel like
There's nothing beneath you.

If I ran fast enough,
The ground disappeared.

But one day I jumped
Just to remember what falling felt like.
It was then I realized
I had a parachute the whole time.

My apologies mixed in with yours,
Words tied into strings
Laced around my shoulders,
Through my fingers,
The warmth of your hands.

A paper parachute.

We kept writing,
And I let myself fall again.
The wind wasn't cold laughter this time;
It sang,
And clouds turned transparent.

You were there,
You are here now.

The wind kissed my lips
And gave me words to speak,
Stung my eyes,
But let me see.
The scars became maps,
So I walked to the edge.

This parachute is big enough for two.
Will you take my words

And jump with me?