it is hard for me to believe
sometimes
that you were once naked
and crying, too. 
you were once
twenty and counting
the ways to escape. 
you were once taught truths
which later dissolved
underneath you.
you were once soft
and glowing with hope and
the certainty of tomorrow. 
you once laughed
without the reek of bitterness
and stale cigarettes: 
you were in love, 
once. 
you were once
free. 
and i think 
that perhaps i could have 
loved you, once.
perhaps when you look at me, 
you still see
yourself.

Nectar // a.s.m