Short on affectionate lies
I grow fond of peace
Of being lowered
In silence

The truth erodes
My wholesome
And finer half

The truth erodes
As I strive
To be tame

So much
For the kindhearted words
I rushed to dispense
As a fretful
And fear-ridden child

My tact grows thin
Discolored
And rancid

Faint in its call
Deathly
Cold and firm