the other night
i caught you with fingers so far
down your throat
they choked you from the inside
out.
your closed fists
formed snail shell spirals
at your sides
and the tears in your eyes
told the story you wouldn’t tell
and i already knew.
“i’m fine,”
you said,
not trusting me enough
to say the truth.
baby girl,
you’re beautiful,
but sometimes
you tear me apart.


