by ALLIE BEENE - August 22, 2021
I always encounter her at my worst
when we’re all we have.
she’s more splintered than I realize once our eyes meet
embarrassing that her existence departs my mind once she leaves my sight,
or perhaps once I leave hers.
Seven years is a long time,
but evermore I crave her being’s demolition.
nights of panic pull me to her window
I place my numb hand on her cool features
“who ARE you?”
she horrifies me & we both sob
together, painfully alone.
I cannot escape her
bitter gratitude cripples us both.
the following sunrise, I smile & nod at her, vowing to stay with her at my worst
she does the same.