I flinch at the thought of hearing you shatter,
splintering at the seams we once stitched up together 
The nagging possibility of it being my hand doing the breaking

Wordlessly dodging contention, 
I've become an expert in your absolution 
Our truth lodged in my throat, never spilling

I am told I must be exceedingly forceful, 
that remaining reticent always takes its toll
But how am I to forsake my own cowardice without yielding? 

My inability to profess my affliction is tormenting me, 
hindering our chance of thriving happily 
Something I must overcome if we have any chance of enduring