before, I was hopeful
full of nerves and poetry
your laugh made me wish
I was funnier than I am
your words drew me in
fueling yearning, spinning tales
up close you were smaller
yet you spoke of large dreams
and the man you might become
confused, I opened myself wide
and you took out your pleasure
leaving only consequences
leaving me with old tears
and a swelling rage
when fathers and husbands
rape and curse and injure
when brothers abandon
their faith and their sisters
who am I to offer all
my fire and my weakness?
when love is danger
and trust is ruin
what can I turn to
but to stone?
