When You Think of Me

When you think of me,

think of the ghost of a smile

that haunts the corners

of your lips on lonely days. 

When you think of me,

think of a song with no lyrics.

think of a tuneless melody

that sits quietly at the bottom 

of your stomach, lulling butterflies

to sleep– Or one in the middle

of your chest that makes your heart dance.

When you think of me,

think of an oasis. 

Think of water and shade

when the cruel sun 

cracks the flags, and everyone else

is a scorching desert. 

When you think of me,

my dear, think of peace. 

think of all the things 

that ever made you smile. 

When you think of me,

my friend, think of love.

think of all the things

that make you feel warm inside.

Marcel