Sort of a follow-up to "Memento Mori", because it's a subject that's been on my mind a lot recently.

Your presence can wound me:

A punch to the gut every time you walk in the door.

Your absence hurts just as badly;

Where were you when I needed you most?

Your words can kill me,

Sink into my carotid like a lion's fangs.

But your silence can kill, too—

Leave a paper cut for each word you didn't say.

Your callousness can drown me:

You sit above me with eyes as distant as a god's.

Yet I'm afraid of your passion,

Because it is more fury than it is affection.

Still I choose it—

Choose to be here with you, despite everything,

Choose to let myself fade into oblivion unless you need a scapegoat,

Until I work up the courage.