I always had to word 
my conversations so carefully,
to find the right ones for your tastes.
I was exhausted before I even spoke.
Naturally you'd always look baffled by me
if I was upset,
when I didn't expect those answers
& I wanted to throw my questions away.

You unwillingly learn from me;

hurling yourself over the sides of my words

& I try to catch you. 

We pretend to read minds

& resentment adds to a pile

that we pick from when we're angry.

I remember you telling me: 

"You get too deep sometimes." 

But even then,
I'd rather too than not at all or a little.

          Even still,

I want to open up your chest
   & free all the lost laughs
              & good
you should've always known.