this me perches on countertops
naked under her black slip
breathing in the heavy midnight dark
eating lemon slices off the counter

this me says no, and no, and no
this me refuses to give you kindness
refuses to give you anything
unless you earn it from me first
beg me for it
beg me on your hands and knees
offer me ritual sacrifice for my love
i will give nothing for nothing

this me tilts her head to the right
stares you down with two dark eyes
i dare you to try and take something from me now
everything i have is rooted into the foundations
nothing material binds me
all i have is my ******* soul and my bones

this me is finally unstoppable
after being told that what i needed
was to be softer so that others
would not hurt their feet stepping over my spine
i will grow blades out of my back
anyone who steps on me now shall bleed

this me is wrought in vividness
i will not be quietened by you
i will not dim my light so not as to blind you
if you cannot look directly at me, look away
if you cannot stand the sight of blood
shield your eyes from
the bloodied footprints i leave in my wake
if you cannot stand how sour lemons taste
dare not kiss me
my lips bite as much as my teeth.