He is slowly breaking my heart into a million shards.

every child i fall in love with
every kiss i place on their heads
every time i feel their hands
on my neck.

every hopeless story of abuse
every murder never solved
every beer can i place in my bag
every drunken swerve i see
down the road.

every "f---" i see...paint over...
cry over.

every birthday always forgotten
every sob i have to hide
every tear that refuses to fall
every sibling who raises another
every identity lost
every scream ignored
every emotionless account of horror
and thoughtless tale of grief

every broken plea of "stay"
"never leave"