It comes either
far too easily
or with great difficult
either prematurely
or far too late,
excessively intellectualized
and viewed as hopelessly anachronistic
at the post-modern reception desk
that is our jaded, urbane culture.

However carefully guarded
still often betrayed
by our deepest desires
words stand poised
on the tips of our tongues
all the rants
sighs
murmurs
whispers
confessions
protests
of the recent past
well up from darker
more distant memories
creating caution and dread
from these few simple words
having the power to expose
vulnerabilities
long checked behind walls
of pain and rejection.

You won't say
I won't say
we stare helplessly
hopelessly
desperately
clumsily
as passion drains
from our swollen throats
to our frozen feet.