Ride the Wind

If only
you could hear my silence
you would know
that I am screaming
pleading with you
to not love me as if you’re the wind
to not be the bitter cold gust
that’s fleeting
because you’re searching for tomorrow’s freedom
if you have to leave
then leave without words
please

Yes
I am crying
though I do not shed tears for you to see
because I am hoping . . . wishing,
praying
you’d believe my strength to be as real the expressions I portray for your eyes to see
so that maybe
you’ll not blow away
maybe you’ll be that gentle breeze
that doesn't leave me once again gasping for air to breathe

Please
don’t love me like this
not anymore
not like the chaotic rhythms of the cyclone’s stinging breath
spinning faster
and faster
and faster
until the confusion of the tornado’s consequences
leaves my life destroyed

Please
don’t
I cannot hurt like that again
the pain
of knowing you cannot love me
as I am
or even who I pretend to be for your soul’s sake
is why I am screaming
because I cannot ride the wind again