Instead

Instead

I don’t want you to miss me.
I’ll miss you instead.
The kind kiss I’ll remember.
The hope, the fear, and the dread.

Don’t feel for my open hand.
Nor search for my heart.
All given with open eyes.
I knew from the dawn to dark.

Some things are not meant to last.
Gone as when they came.
We thought we were meant to be.
This brief life and briefer flame.

No regrets to cloud my vision.
Nor pleas for second chances.
No looking over shoulders.
No backward lies or glances.

Stars, tell another story.
Baked as warmest bread.
Give to you another love.
Only, I’ll miss you instead,