In Another Life

In another life, your head is in my arms
We’d have a house of our own
and plates made of clay

Not glass or porcelain
but clay, solidifying our love
through thick and thin

We could get caught between tidal waves
Veiled in seaweed and sand
And you’d still say I’m your pretty girl

My arm around yours as we walk ’round the park
Watching oranges sprout and calendulas bloom
Your face flushes when our fingers intertwine

But that’s in another life
In this life now, you’re still my love
But I’m miles away from your touch

Miles away from your skin
Miles away from your lips
Miles away from your smile

I waited and waited for the day we’d meet again
I’d pick calendulas and put them in a vase
Counting petals as each day passed by

As I kept watch of the clock, my eyes would start to close
My mind would wander and I’d follow my feet
I’d arrive at your house every single time, but you never answered

I’d knock twice or thrice
Or sit on your porch
In hopes you’d answer

You never did

One day I stared at your house
With watery eyes
Expecting the expected

That same day, I went to my neighbor’s house instead
He answered within three knocks
And invited me to stay a bit longer after dinner

Before I know it, I’m no longer eating at his dinner table
But rather wrapped in sheets that smelled like you
As I looked back at his face, my lips slowly curved into a smile

Throwing my head back
I pinch myself to return to reality
My skin seeps scarlet with every passing second

I feel my face start to burn
and my heart fall into my stomach
As my neighbour calls me a pretty girl

In another life, my head is in your arms
I’d feel your heartbeat as I lay atop your chest
Surrounded by calendulas, counting stars