The future played in lo-fi tones

Through headphones made of glass.

You handed me a looped cassette

And whispered, “Let it pass.”

The tape unspooled in pastel swirls,

Each moment slightly bent—

You kissed me in a mono fade

Then left without intent.

⸻

We rewind each feeling

But it never sounds the same.

Compressed in quiet fiction,

Distorted by your name.

You recorded over promises

With songs we never knew—

Now every playback stutters

In a shade resembling you.

⸻

I archive joy in folders marked

“Could’ve,” “Once,” and “Still.”

A melody of carousel lights

Spins static through the will.

Your handwriting on acetate,

A scrawl I can’t decode—

I press play just to hear you leave

In language never showed.

⸻

“This is where you fade…”

⸻

We fast-forward tenderness

Until it warps and tears.

The reel forgets what matters

And hums mechanical prayers.

I dance alone to future songs

That bleed through present day—

Each measure slightly trembling

Where your absence used to stay.

⸻

“Love recorded sideways never lasts in stereo.

Side B was blank. Maybe that was the point.”