My jaw finally stopped clicking yesterday

My jaw finally stopped clicking yesterday.

The tension has moved into my chest instead.

I saw you standing by the deli counter,

and all the things I should have said

stayed locked behind my molars.

You looked so light, so airy and clean,

while I was still holding the ghost of the chair

that almost tipped over during the scene.

I learned that losing isn't the bruise,

or the way the blood tastes in your mouth.

It’s realizing the storm has moved on

while you’re still boarded up for the south.