says he loves me

and always has

says he’ll do anything 

and always will

says he’ll protect me

in sickness and in health

but when i soften into warm, humid flesh—he hardens

when i ignite with rage that could burn the ocean—he extinguishes

when i dive into the sadness slumbering in his gut—he flees

when I tie back the drapery of my soul to inhale sunlight—he tangles


he asks that i return his call, honey 

but prays for sweetness, not elaboration 

he can’t wait to see his girl

but discards me as my own woman

and when i relinquish, he grips

when i depart, he chases

when i rise, he perishes

they all do