You said “let’s be friends” like love was a game, Like kisses meant nothing, like hearts don’t flame. As if I could sit there and smile and pretend That I didn’t lose more than a lover..a friend. I asked for space. You said “okay.” But space became silence that swallowed the day. No texts, no calls, not even a trace.. You vanished like smoke. You erased your face. How dare you leave like it was light? Like I didn’t hold you through half the night? I gave you pieces I’ve never shown, Called your laughter my second home. Do you remember that quiet day? Tattoo shop, ink, and soft delay. May 1st, like fate had drawn Your name in stars before the dawn. You smiled and asked, “Is that… my name?” I laughed, I lied, said, “No, just my birth month..same.” But the truth sat heavy beneath my skin, Etched in silence I kept within. I wanted to scream: It’s always been you, But how could I say it and risk losing too? So I bore the name you’d walk away from, Knowing one day, your truth would come. Now I see you sometimes, just passing by. You glance, then look away..and I? I break in half, behind a stare, Because you’re right there, but you’re not really there. You’re a stranger now with my favorite smile, The soul I loved that stayed a while. Three months felt like forever’s start, And now I hold you in a shattered heart. I’m trying, now. To forget your light. To stop dreaming of you late at night. But memories don’t come with a switch to kill. And your ghost sleeps in me still. You were selfish, love-kind, but cruel. You played with fire, then changed the rule. You lit me up then walked away, And I’m left burning to this day. So if you ever wonder why I’m gone. It’s because I loved you too much, too strong. And I can’t be your “friend” like nothing broke… When I’m still choking on the words you never spoke.