Checkmate

I step toward you

on a bridge of string.

Your tongue pushes syllables past

each glistening tooth

set in thunderclouded cheeks.

Mumbled fragments fill my ears,

distant cymbals muted

by palpitations shattering my chest.

Your lips gape and grimace;

I watch the splintered moments

through stream-lined eyes

and try to speak

rasping gasps

struggle from my throat.

Language fails.