Nothing

We have to not talk.
There is something
I have to not say.
What does it matter
what it cost me
to give you up.
When the choice
is all or nothing
and all is not mine to give,
can I gift wrap nothing
and make it pretty.
If I give you nothing,
how can nothing take
so much out of me.
I will say nothing
or risk one kind word
or smile from you
and weaken my will,
because when I said
I would leave
before I hurt you
I never thought
I could.