to me
love
is something that stumbles over quivering red lips
tripping over chattering, quaking teeth
eyes screwed shut
eyes wide in anticipation
breaths short and shaky

love is something that comes out
in small aching gasps
as my nails dig into your skin
and i d-r-a-g them down your back
hard

love is something murmured
in a small bistro off the junction of two streets
over coffee and cake
slow and sweet
with just the right amount of sugar

love is something whispered
slipping out of chapped lips with yesterday’s makeup
and yesterday’s gum
all rolled into one dry cracked mess
served with the a side of hangover

love is something to be said through clenched teeth
hissing through the cracks
as i grind my molars because you
just
aren’t
getting
it

love is something cried
chest heaving
voice cracking

love is something screamed
something roared over the edge of a cliff
falling down
down
d
o
w
n
till it hits the ground
and love
is
no more.