Universe

Otis Hunter, Jr.

Love is about sacrifice, But no gift is more valuable than time; So when our clocks held hands for you to see one of my shows, This is when you became the brightest star in my galaxy. So I sent you a message: “Thanks for coming out even though you missed the slam lol.” Send.

“But I had fun.”

Send. She sent, verbatim: “You know you don’t have to text me everyday, right?” 10 words opened the floodgates, and tears waterfalled. Most of the time, I want to know if you are alive; You work so much, your overtime has overtime. It’s a 24 hour day and I only see you for 1 nanosecond; Is it wrong to tie your life into mine like shoelaces? I asked you about your schedule, I wanted you to be a part of mine; I asked you about work, I wanted to work things out; I’m sorry that the game of life monopolizes misfortune;

I gave you 12 cupcakes on Valentine’s Day, With a college budget that would give the homeless Thanksgiving; I figured each one was a Zodiac sign, Multifaceted gems that showcased how much I could shine; I figured each one was a tribe of Israel, But you robbed me like Jacob; You thought it was just a nice gesture, You thought that 12 cupcakes meant 12 cupcakes... Was it stupid to think of it as anything else? When I give hugs, I crush your ribs. When I speak to you, I give you laryngitis. When I pour my heart out, it spills on your clothes. How can I give you space when you are my universe?