I punctuate with close precision,
aware of where
I'm placing my semi-colons and
dashes,
using Oxford commas
like a grammar geek.

Your punctuation always bothers me
but you, with your misplaced apostrophes
and oddly abbreviated words
that you cradle in speech marks,
never care.

You were constantly callous in your conduct,
your handling of punctuation marks.
I assumed you never understood
the significance I attached to your words.

I could feel the excitement
and anxiety and apprehension
build in my belly every time
with your exclamation points!

I could feel my brows furrow together
deep in confusion,
every time you sent me just
one little question mark?

I suppose I never did tell you this
but when last month you ended your sentence
(accidentally, of course) with a dash,
well, I knew then that we’d be for ever.

and when last week you sent me
a comma to end your speech
I knew for certain that
more was to come.

but I see now it was silly
to attach such hope to a hyphen
because yesterday you concluded
with the biggest full stop I've ever seen
and let me know that that was all.

I felt that period’s punch
deep inside my gut
like you were trying to make me
throw up my jam and toast.

I had never before known
one small,
simple
dot
to be so powerful
and hurt so much.

It did though,
and you couldn't even tell-

i need misery
like a drug addict
needs a hit

People were dancing,
taking in shots

                     high dancing on
                          loud music.

She was a wallflower,
She held her drink and sipped wildly.
she was trying to imitate
the coolest girl around.

but she couldnt be her
but she wished to
she failed
and never tried again


the music was getting loud
she felt like her thoughts would get lost
she needed an escape
she flew
          
            so she rushed to the washroom
locked herself
shut her ears
the voice was still raging

the music was growing louder
and the noise inside her head
turned up

she held her fist tight.

she later came out fine
people were kissing and making out
and dancing with their partners
like they'll never see another day


she knew she 'll
unlike them
but those days will be
days of dark and gloom
alone
separated
quiet

she wanted to be a
part of the group
she didnt belong to

red lipsticks
flashy rings and expensive phones,
they howled
while she discussed of

twisted spines and

broken bones.