he calls me a budding alcoholic
a rose drowning in
too many rain drops
which is, perhaps, the sweetest
verbal shake-of-the-head
that I have ever received
now he starts talking
about confidence issues
and my ears turn inwards
the inadequacy that pumps
through my veins clots
as his syllables reach
the tip of his tongue
and slap my face
"it's because I care"
but he doesn't care
more than a pat on the head
when what I really need
is a little less honesty