Barters

Starting with just one word. A primary focus. Stealing images away from life. To keep with me after it's over again.

Feeling the brakes twittering like lost butterflies. Not wanting to stop.

Seeing them seeing me. Through vulture's eyes. A dead feast. Staring back. Disdain my only invitation. Evolution happening inside us in microscopic proportions.

Chewing the ice tooth by tooth. Painting the lies with dry brushes. I'd rather watch them leave than ask them to stay and be rejected.

I can't pretend to be what they would want. Can't stop biting these painted nails or wiping these colored lips.

The sun on my doorstep falls the same regardless of whether there's someone else in my bed.

Here we are always waiting to blossom, when they're always keeping us closed.

I know how it feels to be alone. And that it feels much better than being with them.

Why tease the scorpion. It will sting when it's ready. Why give them your blood when they only sought your sweat.