It's a really simple word,
two letters long.

Toddlers might shout it,
adults might scream it
and teens will mock it.

The letters are side by side,
in the alphabet,
the prettiest couple.

It was a word I wanted,
a word I dreamed.

A word that I could never speak,
for those letters
could not stave off what started.

See them there,
holding hands,
the lovebirds.

So sweet, I have to look away.

I'm happy for you, I say,
but inside I scream NO.