You killed me to keep me near. Seven days, from then till now. Why won't you kiss me, dear? Your fingers squeezed my cries of fear to silence as you kept your vow. You killed me to keep me near. You've slaked your needs yet now appear so frozen — frightened — sweat-slicked brow. Please, why won't you kiss me, dear? Your heart in thorns, I've seen it clear, this distance you could not allow, until you killed to keep me near. Your love's fire became my bier. My arms reach for your warmth now. Kiss my breath away, my dear. My mouth on yours till I can't hear your shrieks, ungrateful lover's row. My tongue on yours, our fates cohere. You killed me to keep me near.