your lips taste like copper
the red all over my shirt
you did not ask to taste metal
and I’m too young to feel this
pull it open wider than
the sick smile
curling your ****** lips
to get a view of
how bad the damage really is
your favorite knife, your favorite skin
I taste like iron and copper

I was transfixed, I’ll admit
but you breathed life into my chest
inflated my chest, made me smile
just by listening, and saying
“I understand”

that was all I needed

fishing never got a catch
working got me relief
thankful and unafraid

it was raining
and I wanted the window open
I missed you with every drop

I was a dripping faucet to the rain
you would be asleep by now

peace never made me tired
watching your rain sleep
the smile creeping into your face
happy that the soundtrack
is real

the air buzzed when I heard it start
it felt like a warm embrace
on cold skin
my warm arms
that you let in

a diet copy
the vague idea is there
but an ingredient is missing
stories of mistreatment
tokenized charm
a bad face

I am no man
but he emulates
surface
superficial

the mind rot was cured but
I felt it spread
wildfire, new grass growing
healing
while being poisoned
everything is clean
underneath the grime

the hollowest point
went through my hand into you
and took you away

i am not a pantry
from which they all select
what they want
when they please

i am the source
i am riverbeds and farmland
i am the richest soil
i am the land to ask
not the land to take

i am a plot being bid for
eyes, auctions, and need
i give only to those who
make a home, lay their stake
promise to treat

i am not a pantry
i am not a lease
i am not an option
i am not one of many
i am not a tycoon’s investment

i am the richest soil
and when i am of only one
i give