The first time you hear something like love
in the soft tone of his voice, do not act like he has
given you the moon.
Act like he has given you smooth blown glass,
fine china teacups: something beautiful
but absolutely breakable. Something with the potential
to be so, so sharp.
But swallow the lump in your throat.
Do not bother padding the floor. Waste no time
with an overly heavy grip. We lose so much
for fear of letting go.
You have to let it breathe. Put it to use.
It’s no good tucked safely away. Roll over in the bed
and bare your neck to teeth. Just buy some thick soles
for when the glass breaks.