the manhole cover is the safe zone,
on the way home, like always,
there were two smiles beneath the one umbrella

the reason I can’t say anything, is because you don’t say anything
because even after such a terrible thing happened, you still smile.

no matter where your heart is now, you continue to draw breath this day,
it pains me to think so sweetly of the time we have.

the silence in my ears is noisier than usual
as if everything depends on what I say next.

a single umbrella still up at sunset,
I looked over to the familiar sight of you next to me
and it was as if I was seeing you for the first time

because you still try to laugh
even though I saw, right in front of me,
how hurt you were from right up close

if that smile of yours can forgive another’s heart
I hope to god that you could be freed from beneath that umbrella

the reason I don’t bring it up is because I’m trying to be understanding,
well sometimes that’s the case, but really it’s just my cowardly excuse,
the truth is I’m scared of knowing your pain.

in the distance the bell sounds to end the school day
at the crosswalk in front of the car dealership
see you tomorrow, bye bye

crossing the river of highways,
as I suspected, when I looked back to see you
you were standing on a manhole spinning your umbrella.

that smile of yours hides your heart well
beyond that umbrella, I’m certain now, that the traffic light is red.

that breath of yours has blamed you so many times now,
but nevertheless continues in and out, before you smile again,
please hold onto this moment.

Let’s go take hold

at the crosswalk in front of the car dealership,
I see myself, holding a two person umbrella reflected in the show window,
all by myself.
I hold it.