Past Tense

I refer to you
In the past tense
Because I don't
Want to think of you
In the present.

I don't want
To think of you
Present in my life,
Present in my heart.
Present.

Then again, you
Were not always present,
More like a voice
On the phone,
Whispering sweet nothings.
Promising nothing.

Still nothing will bring
Me back.
Not words.
Not promises.
Not love.
Not my own pain,
My own desires
To have you.

So I refer
To you
In the past tense.
There is where
I want to keep you.
In the past.