I must turn my back
punctured so easily by sharp teeth hidden
beneath his sweet smile
his cheat’s face clean-shaven, charming
swept of telling stubble
providing a focal point which distracts
my eyes from those glassy pools
flitting darkly, swimming in pink-flecked white
I will turn my back
show him the hole through my ribs
to my chewed heart
“See this old thing?” I will say
“Think nothing of it. It will quickly heal.”
I would turn my back but he
would consider the challenge
too great to resist
I can’t turn my back
he will force me to face him
he will crush me for his poison
he will lose in the end
but he’ll have
his way
©Jane Paterson Basil