We no longer acknowledge each other’s eyes Or speak unless addressed explicitly But our energy reaches like wild tentacles, grasping to be mutual once more Tangles like vines or still-learning shoe strings Strangles me but sympathizes in the final few when I get sky-face I heard your laugh from behind your back and knew I would Never cause it Again It surged through me like an electric shock, not A finger in the outlet, more like a toaster bath I have never found currents to be painful, just warm Even as my limbs fell limp from voltage Your complexion kept me calm down to my copper core Now each indication of your amusement ****** me, emptying weary veins Acupuncture from untrained hands, reckless medicine I never thought you would be my nerve damage Chronic companion, my endorphins still have your toxic taste