rising again

first knees, then to hands; pushing

then upright;

the weight of things shed.

such wreckage left;

kisses, touches, silence,

desertion, return, aching wonder;

drama, blame, wounded hearts,

cobbled love without instruction.

walking

away.

shedding

brushing away the ache,

hoping touch does not hurt

as it did before;

kicking off the last piece;

standing proud;

astonished

to discover your newly naked soul

alone.