Spindly pale green arms

grasping, searching

for a friend.

I pull them apart,

tear them away.

Still new to this world

not quite yet jaded.

Holding out for harmony,

I see them latch on

cling tight

not for long.

Twine together while you can

hold each other closer,

closer until you snap.

A broken leaf falls to the floor.

The dirty cement welcomes you.

Soon you’ll be crushed

under a cracked leather boot

or swept away with the rest.

Don’t hold out for harmony.

There are only melodies

in this world.

I prove this 

as I harvest you

Cress. 

I never want to pull you away

from the entwined limbs of 

your equals.

Risk breaking your fragile

heart.

I’m sorry.

Leaves.

I meant leaves.

We wouldn’t want a heart.

Package you in plastic

throw into a bag

that might one day lodge

inside a fish

or around a neck.

Suffocate. 

We suffocate you.

I’m sorry.

No, I shouldn’t apologize.

It’s for a good cause.

I kill you for a good

cause. 

Justify the pain.

Rip you apart for good.

You serve your purpose.

How cold that sounds.

Bitter.

I said you weren’t jaded.

Did I lie jade Cress?

I thought I meant it.

We all say things we don’t mean.