I saw you mourning by the raging fire—
I knew your pain, and knew it was too much.
I could not bear your gaze, your blazing touch.
My heart broke at the strength of your desire:
Desire for time that runs the other way,
Desire for things to turn out otherwise.
Desire for worlds that did not crystallize,
Desire for those we loved who could not stay.

I could not stay. Your heartache was too strong.
And yet I carry still a matching flame.
And now my litany includes your name.
I even miss your grief. It's been so long.
I wish I'd had the strength for your desire.
I sit alone beside my own small fire.