I could not breathe
as the sharpness in her breath tore
through my skin
She cupped my face, hands as tired as she
was.

Upon feeling her rough
callused palms against my cheek,
I knew I could never be safe
outside of her strong hands
caging my face.

Her smile was weak, but it was all she could muster
the assurance was in the vigor of her attempt
And as I grew closer to an absence of consciousness
It became harder
for her to hold her tongue.

Like barbed wire, I wore her words
I wore her words around my throat
Around my neck with pride
And she allowed me
to bleed all
over.