Ashes in My Jacket

Found your lighter in my coat last night Tucked in the lining, next to firelight A half-spent smoke and broken clasp Reminded me of all we had The scent of you still ghosts the sleeve Mixed with smoke and disbelief You always left in quiet ways No slam of doors, just falling haze Ashes in my jacket — proof you burned Every thread still aches and yearns You lit me up, then disappeared Left your embers in my mirror I wear this coat like it’s my skin Stained with sparks of what has been Ashes fall, but they don’t fade You left your mark, and it stayed That back porch where you'd lean and breathe Still smells like dusk and tangerine You always smoked when things got tense Each exhale hid your innocence I’d watch the curl rise through the dusk While holding truths we dared not trust Now I walk streets with collar raised Trying to chase what can’t be saved Ashes in my jacket — proof you burned Every thread still aches and yearns You lit me up, then disappeared Left your embers in my mirror I wear this coat like it’s my skin Stained with sparks of what has been Ashes fall, but they don’t fade You left your mark, and it stayed You said love’s a fleeting flame But never told me it leaves a name On sleeves and seams and things unsaid Like fire trails in a stranger’s bed I’ll hang this coat, but not let go It holds the storm I never showed Ashes stay where touch once lived A trace of love I still forgive