the memories of us
are dyed
in sepia and
worn around the edges
from where I clutched them
tightly,
wishing that they
weren't just things of the past.
some have creases
where I folded them,
trying to compress them.
some have burn marks where
I thought I could bring myself
to burn them away
to meaningless ashes.
some have warps and marks
where my tears fell,
escaping the eyes
that try to blink them away.
but I look at them now,
and see how the vividness has
slowly leaked away,
the once powerful emotions
I had
faded away.
the smiling faces that
belonged to us
are smudged,
and I can no longer remember what
your loving smile looks like
no matter how hard I try.
so here I am,
packing away these dull,
faded sepia
memories,
it's been long overdue and I
apologize.
I open the book, and slip them between
the pages,
making a fairytale story of
us that I can
revisit
whenever I wish.
and maybe one day,
I can look upon these
in happiness.