what do I know
of you except
sparks
traces of smoke
the charred remnants
of altarfire

in the cathedral
of my rib cage
prayers
sound small
in the hollow
of an empty sanctuary

when you return
will you bring
me something
so I know
you were thinking
about me

what have you
ever brought me
except dislocation
inescapable light
and a thousand
unnamable joys