your grasp wrapped around
my unsuspecting existence,
filling all the crevices and
settling like a soft blanket
of the purest snow

in your constricting hold,
my fragile heart leaked
yet that was still alright
because it was all inside
and you held me together

but now i understand
that i should have been
scared to show weakness,
for you would not be tainted

you let go, and with
your fingers drenched
in my thin lifeblood,
slapped me mercilessly
to accentuate the idea
that “it’s not you, it’s me”

(may the defendant refute the accusation?)

leaving a bright
red handprint
on my face for
the entire world
to see

you’ve left me helpless


i bleed vulnerability.