grenades

i have been here long enough
to know how to weigh sentences
as they fall from the mouth
like invisible powder.
some things we say with our eyes down
or our cheeks warm
some things we whisper
like a secret we were supposed to guard
some things we shout down a hallway
or up a staircase
over cables
and lightning bolts.
no one collects them
or translates them
and i have been speaking long enough
to know that they all weigh
just the same
whatever the color
or sweetness
they had on our tongue.
i have found myself dropping grenades like
"i was starting to love you"
but the grenade never goes off
it doesn't even tick
just falls like the same powder
that fell from my lips
when i woke up and said
"i wonder if it's warm outside."


a.w.