truth

Clenched face I said no
all I wanted
(wanted?)
was to hear you say it.
tell me:
does it feel like a loss?

No

I will not allow
the blood to run down
crossing the street
I will not allow it.
We can sit in the car
in silence
cringing at the light years
of
mirror
that separates. No you cringe while I judge your judging.
Judge what? my lions yellow my blue peacock blue
this
is
PRIDE.
Are you strong enough
are my fingertips
reddened
clutching? the levees thunder and the crimson scent sits
metallic
like a coat of oil.

But you cannot hinder me. I have been this since the first sphinx I have been this since Babel. Fear? It may simply be that I am supremely human,
Endowed with instincts of enduring self preservation
whatever
I will not allow