rundown rooms
and ***** sheets
the hum of
fluorescence
the flicker
of cheap bulbs
heavy handed
palms i wasn't
ready for

the tv groans
behind us
a sitcom for
a parody of a
romantic moment

you were not
soft or
gentle
or kind -

I felt the greed
in your blood
I felt your need
and I felt
the no die
in my throat.

it hurt
and then
you fell asleep.