the mind's recesses

you make me smile

the light rose petals
dusting your nose,
and the small upturn
of usually turned-down lips,
and the glitter
of a billion stars
that took their refuge
in two late-morning eyes.

you do this every time
you look at her -
but she isn't me;
and her perfection is unachievable
in your night-and-day gaze. 

i suppose my solitary heart
should burn with unrequired jealousy,
and i should forever hate her
(and you for making me
another loser).

but the sight of your lovely happiness
makes something flicker in this
lonely coffin.

i have no expectations -
you will go down your pretty pathways,
while i will walk upon empty streets
filled with empty houses.

seeing your once-hollow eyes
shine softly again
will put my restless spirit to rest,
so i may now complete
this endless journey
meant for the lost ghosts
that haunt this earth.

for although i have passed on
(as people tend to do),
your life continues
with the day and the night;
and if you ever find yourself lost,
i will find you again -
i promise.

for just because you can't feel
my hand in yours,
that doesn't mean it isn't there.

it doesn't mean i'm not there.