9/3, no. 26

you gave me love

and showed me pain;

you granted me

some loss, some gain.

you shake the ground

on which I stand

(I shudder back --

you raise your hand.)

I see your face

of apathy

but I feel only

catastrophe.

your smile has charm

and crooked teeth;

the charisma works,

my anger seethes.

you took steps back

to make some distance

to render us broken,

like a shatter, for instance.

when we first met

my heart was whole

but your indifference

now pierces my soul.