Safer When Delayed

Your reply comes late

And I can finally breathe

Fast things feel dangerous

When they arrive too clean

I need a little distance

Between the spark and the flame

It feels safer when delayed

When the feeling takes the long way

I can hold it from the edge

Before it learns my name

Bad news through a filter

Looks almost kind

I read the first few words

Then leave the rest behind

If reality knocks softly

I might let it in

Give me one slow second

Before the room turns bright

Let the truth arrive tired

Not crashing through the night

I am not avoiding

I am learning how to stay

Some hearts open sideways

Some doors need the rain

I can meet the morning

If it comes in quiet waves