STEP ONE: PROVE TRUE FOR N = 0.
the first time
you caught me
i had a rock in my hand,
fingers dug into
ridges and pools.
it didn't fit my hand
as well as my
fingers through yours,
but i longed for
the blackblue bruises
i could leave behind.
ephemeral.
permanent.
i wanted it so
i made it work.

STEP TWO: LET N = K.
the rock is still
on my bookshelf,
hidden behind
the things i want
you to see.
now i substitute.
walls aren't as good as
corners that turn
away from you.
my hands aren't as good as
the fists of strangers.

STEP THREE: SHOW TRUE FOR N = K + 1.
boil over,
epileptic -
you think this is
rock bottom.
i don't tell you how
i've been lower before,
how i turned eight
and almost stepped
into your path
as you drove away.
i don't tell you how
i want to SLAM
my hands over my ears
though i don't need to
because you don't
talk to me
and i won't listen.
i don't tell you how
i can't cry
unless i'm angry.

STEP FOUR: CONCLUSION.
when i tell you
the only truth i know
you spit on it
and push me aside.
i suppose a rock
is softer.