Holding Your Letter

Holding your letter
I notice the fine crinkle of fiber
That glossy bond that holds your ink
So that it can not let go of the words
You wrote them once
But I am trapped by an endless echo

Your message does not fit in a bottle
No pearly glass or blackened cork can contain
The rhythmic waves of liquid self pity
That run hissing across the thirsty sands

The suffering that came with the happiness
Did not make the happiness worthwhile
It just occurs to me
The happiness that came with the suffering
Did not make the suffering worthwhile

Crushing your letter
I bind it to a rock with rough twine
And fling it up and out above the waves

As it sinks into the vaults of the depths
It occurs to me

I am still holding your letter