Engrained

I think I’ve memorized

what people’s lips look like

when the words

you’re too much for me

escape from behind their teeth.

I think the sound

of those five words

have been forever engrained

into the drums of my ears.

I think I’ve grown accustomed

to the chilling air that

surrounds me in that moment.

I think the stinging lump in my

throat will never subside,

I think I’ll never be what people want.

[alc]