Snapchat Hieroglyphics of Connection

the fire emoji flickers, burning in code  

a digital bond, fragile as whispers  

sent across pixels, manufactured intimacy  

we rank affections through yellowed faces  

loss comes silent, like a streak snapped  

twenty-three days gone, evaporated weight  

a best friend marker traded for nothing  

ghosts with blue hearts, left ignored  

we cradle the rules, learned by longing  

who smiled, who scrolled, who forgot  

thumbs tapping frantic rituals of belonging  

shaking hands scroll for closure's face  

an algorithmic grip on our soft edges  

friendship distilled, mechanics of affection  

it's a game, sure, but also not  

somewhere, someone grieves a golden heart