It took me four times

To even say “hello”

And now I can’t shut up.

I want to hear

Every greeting under the sun

Rolling off my tongue for you,

To speak in different palettes

And paint with every color I’ve imagined

Until you can see what I see in you.

It may only be

A crude reflection in

Jagged edges of paper cups

Overflowing with muddled compositions.

But I’m trying my best,

I promise…

Even as the words

Become muffled across the distance

I’m here.