contractions

hold my hand and breathe
against my n e c k

break my spine and tear
my heart in t w o

i am waiting for you
_____this bright spark
_____this holy shard
_____this life affirming nod

you say:
_hold me one minute longer

i say:
_i won't, but i might

i breathe
i breathe
i b r e a t h e
and you
______do
________not