I whisper a few distant words, {s o m e t i m e s, I just can't stand it.}

you ask me, [can't stand what?]

I tell you, {e v e r y t h i n g.}

[be more specific,] you tell me

{n o t h i n g is all right anymore,} I mutter.

[you used to be so different,] your words drip in remorseful venom.

{don't a c t like you know me,} I spit back, my eyes like flames.

[i do know you. you don't know yourself,] menacing whispers disintegrate from your mouth.

{you act all wise, like your words have an actual m e a n i n g. it's all *******; don't pretend like it's n o t,} you seem taken aback.

[don't **** yourself,] you get to the point.

my nostrils flare. {you're like the disney princesses; f a k e. you don't give a **** about me. you just want to satisfy some god and feel like a h e r o. you can say you care, and that you l o v e me, but after I'm long gone you'll m o v e on and forget me. life moves on.}

you blink. [you've got it all wrong.]

{no, you w a n t me to have it all wrong. your mind is so diluted you can't tell crude reality from how you want it to be. so your brain is filled with mumbo jumbo and you p i t y me for being a helpless, pathetic girl. quite the opposite, really,} I'm shouting by now.

you say nothing. your eyes are cast to the ground.

I leave, drowning out my name being screamed behind me.