If someone loves you

[howeverbrief]

If someone loves you
he will know of the solemn ability

to clutch a cyanidous vial between
tooth and cheek, anticipating the one
word poised and serpentine curled

to rip and rend open the chest, cracking
a rib or two to expose the proof of your violently
red and beating corona underneath

If someone loves you
he will understand your silent vow

to wither away the years in waiting, exchanged
for beaming light streaking to earth in one
brief glimpse of that benevolent smile

to do anything, squeezing out your self if it means
love can be saved, right down to the
penultimate drop, anything.

And even if you're perfectly capable
(as we all are)

If someone loves you
he will not ask