it softens into remembrance puddles
reflections where the rain gathered
and i know it has helped the flowers grow
and the worms dance

i teach my heart how to stretch
how to love beyond proximity without closure
and how to keep pumping blood
when it wants to rest from the ache

we are pancakes, messy puddles crisping,
bubbles popping with the urgency to flip us
onto our soft side and sear a new memory
a memory that honors and gives permission to let go

and i’m not angry anymore
i just need some more time and more butter