I chew on air
It’s salty and sweet
And then my jaw locks
Shocks me back into reality
Where air tastes like mothers
Who never said I love you
But stayed when you couldn’t sleep
Who watched you fall apart
But kept their watchful distance
Whose love is time’s fool
It’s worth known by an arm taken
Out but not around
Never around my shaking shoulders
Now I flinch when flesh comes near
Allergic resistance
Sometimes air smells like you
And you smell warm
But then I realise it’s burning toast
You’re like a heart attack
I’m the stroke