chopping down years as trees
in a forest of burnt leaves. Stop looking
over my shoulder as a kid with his hand
in the candy jar, with chocolate smeared

all over his mouth and that chagrin look
on his face. When I know he would
do it again when someone’s not looking.
Look, I’m not some unrequited

love that’s scorned you. I might scream and say
I wish you would come on those disparaging
days when I feel cast aside as a shadow,
when the discord is heavy as my bedroom set

and the lines on my forehead connect. But you didn’t
take me literally? Did you? There’s more life
in me then that jar of pennies I save for a rainy day –
so go on, and leave me the hell alone! I won’t come

crawling to you on all fours. When the steely razor
looks tempting, to cut me. And it shines bright
so, I see my reflection on its blade then I’ll be able
to say – Now! Right Now! Before I chicken out.