I see you in my dreams no more,
you no longer fill my thoughts,
and yet you are as much a part
of what I am as the other things
I keep buried in my soul.

Memories of people, places, times
and shared experiences
all of which add up to the sum of me.

My foundations are formed from such things
and might crumble and collapse
if a single loved item
was removed to touch and hold.

Because of this I must insulate myself
from the temptation of thought and deed
that might destroy the balance
so painfully built, to maintain a semblance
of peace and happiness.