Premature

I crave company
Stuff myself with it
Until I choke
Like a snake trying to swallow a shark

I claim casual because
love makes liars
out of
men.

I bottle affection
So I don’t die of thirst
And so no one says
I imagined it

I’d still die, though

If you needed me to

Tie my eyes shut
so I can touch you
without seeing
that you’re somewhere else

I want you to choose me first
But do you remember
how to spell
my name?

I bleed out
quietly.

You never asked
what the mess
was.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Interesting self portrait here, with some unique imagery ("Like a snake trying to swallow a shark"). The speaker "claims casual," possibly a reference to sex, because full engagement leads men to lie. The following lines, however, reveal one who is rather desperate for the affection of one man, who does not return the favor. The speaker is frank about her need, but also frustrated because the guy apparently doesn't feel the same way. The last two verses, though brief, fully depict her sad state. Another testimony that romantic love, though much desired, has many of the qualities of an addictive drug.