at first they’re kind of squishy to hold, hearts,

but you get used to it

except you dropped mine

and yours was sick

we saved them both

but it took a lot of time and work

after they recovered and felt secure

—or at least mine did; but you said so too—

you dropped mine again, this time harder

and more intentionally

then I realized you’d snatched yours back

clever slight of hand, leaving me with none

but it’s okay – you can keep the heart I gave you

or leave it in that floor

because it no longer beats

and I’m slowly growing a new one

This one is just for me.