Ah, there it is The moment you realize That one who once was yours No longer is. The sharp sting A needle entering the skin of a balloon Through a piece of sellotape. The slow and painful deflation As all air quietly leaves you. No sudden explosion (We've heard them all already) Just one final exhale. There it is. Whether it be the unsolved mystery Of a night you weren't privy to... Or the smile evoked By the flash of an unknown name On a telephone screen. All battles fought; All battles lost. Just two wounded soldiers With no air left. Trying to retain dignity Head high, despite the wounds. Resist the urge to hurl one last missile Across