what keeps us alive

she hollowed out the fear in you, that once rested in your rib-cage
like a safe haven, somewhere to lose yourself

  when falling. (she stole it with less than a whisper).

you stood cold and resilient, the void tugging at your sleeves
with fierce determination.

you stood empty and brave.

she never gave you a destination, wordlessly she carved your route
out of denied tears, an unfinished map with no coastlines.

you left and the abyss followed your trail like a bloodhound,
promised to devour you whole.

you left to find the sea.