i write to you

i write to you
because i love you
because you are afraid
because i fail again to say your name
correctly


i write because to touch your heart
with tenderness
and reason
i must be here and you
there
both immutably silent


i write because i cannot wrap my voice in gauze
and leave it by your door
i cannot step aside and lead the way
into a world of noise and lies,
a slogan place
nothing more