Since You Last Loved Me
Since you, my hair has grown
My lion’s mane blooming through the changing seasons.
Since you, my lungs have filled with the air of foreign lands
My horizons widened beyond the small town we both call home.
Since you, my shoulders have broadened
My spine leaning into the burden of post-adolescence.
Since you, I have become unfamiliar with the taste of blood
The fear of violent punishment as a result of yawning with my mouth open.
Since you, my lips no longer swell
Never again have I faced the fresh graze of knuckles at 3am.
Since you, my mind has found balance
My back pressed firmly against a plethora freudian armchairs.
Since you last loved me
I have wished for death.
Similar to the assault your bare hands lay upon my chest.
Since you last loved me
I have pondered the ideals of love
Landing graciously on the side of optimism.
Since you last loved me
I have battled against my mind.
Conversing in the golden hours about
for and against
pills or no pills,
blade or no blade,
breathe or don’t breathe.
Since you, I have fought for my life
And despite you
I have found joy.
