She said "Hey you" with so much syrup. It hit me and slid down my arm like thick cold putty. My tongue felt spent and numb like i'd burned it or something. How do I respond to that? She speaks like a low note, like shes humming. Like the dial tone of someone who could actually feel sorry.
God, i'd cut those words into my flesh if I still had that kind of anger left. I want to make a raging claim. Instead I just wear her same condescending tone like its an oversized coat. Choke those raw words out of my throat...
     I say, "Hey there!",
Chipper as ever, and swollow hard like it doesn't taste bitter.