by Rena Kermasha Silhouettes peek out of windows. Conversation sounds familiar voices. Invitations are left assumed. And I empty the cigarette boxes. Laughter is unshared. Courage is never summoned. Hellos are said. Goodbyes are made. And I continue to be silent. Chords are played. Words are sung. I could listen to you forever. But old complexes defeat new confidence. Sober minds are tricky. There are no clumsy pauses. And clumsy pauses are where Pride falters to desire. My pride and desire Dangerously co-exist. The former vanquishing the latter. But your silhouette will disappear. And time will vanquish them both.