Before Me

I loved every moment with you the late-night talks the quiet dates the warmth of your hand folded into mine The way your eyes found me like I was the only one I held your ring as if it were forever believed every promise you carved into my heart We built memories in places that felt like ours... until I learned they were hers first. And that truth it shatters me Because though she’s long gone I feel her ghost between us In every street you lead me down every café you choose I wonder is it me you see or the echo of her smile? You kissed her first You loved her first You belonged to her before you ever belonged to me And maybe it’s madness but I can’t stop myself I search for her shadow trace her life in stolen glimpses And when I find her I ache because she’s beautiful So beautiful it makes me small makes me jealous because I know she still lingers Not in your arms not in your words... but in your eyes And I can’t escape the question am I truly the one you love, or just the place where you hide her memory?