Counting Teardrops

The first tear falls trickling over my cheek. Trailing to the corner of my mouth.
Licking my dry lips, my tongue tastes the sweetness of this tear.
It was born the day we met.
It held the promise of brighter tomorrows, happiness sweetened by soft smiles, shy hand touches.
The second tear drop falls and follows the path burned down my skin by the first.
A little of itself finds my tongue again.
This one, while holding onto the sweet of its predecessor, is richer, fuller.
Filled with a darker taste of the unexplored desires. Secret wishes whispered into the night.
More spill from my eyes. Each one a tribute to a caress, a touch, a tickle, a kiss.
They fall faster now. Too many, one after another.
Memories, promises, praise, passion shared. Spicy, filled with fire of need, fulfillment.
Then suddeny, the bitterness hits.
The bitter of sadness, dispair, confusion and pain.
These fall uncounted. Too many to track.
Buning from loneliness, depression and the fear of once again being left.
Alone.
Unwanted.
Set free.
But unable to fly on my own, I crash down to earth from the far above skies
you took me to.
And there I lay.
Damaged and broken yet again.
Saved from dying by the ocean of tears I've cried over the death of something fragile, beautiful.
The countless tears I'm crying saved me when all I want to do is fade to oblivion.
I wonder, can you drown yourself in the tears you have shed?
Is that how the hurt ends?
My head wants to slip under.
Darkness, peace, the silence of the empty void that was filled by you.
It's as empty as my soul.
I've cried all my tears I have inside.
But they were wasted.
You did not even notice them when you kissed me goodbye.

Maybe you will taste them later.
And the flavor of my sorrow will remain in your memory of us.

Minx 7/22/23