Because It's Easier This Way

I don’t care if I love you, little girl.

I probably won’t.

I hope to god I’ll never love again.

It burns like a piercing needle, anyway.

Let the sun go down before six p.m.

Like nightfall is the only thing I ever see

(which it might be, if I keep on waking up

at dusk)

Let the sun go down before six p.m.

And a pretty girl braid my hair

And nose to nose kiss me—

If she’ll spit on my face.

Don’t tell me I’m beautiful.

Don’t tell me I’m perfect.

And most of all, don’t tell me I’m flawed

(I already know)

Just braid my hair

And kiss my neck

And trace the scars

That you’ll find like needlework.

And don’t ask me how I got them

(Because you already know)

I probably don’t love you, little girl.

But you’re the prettiest sight I’ve ever seen

Half-dressed and lips parted.

So crack open that bottle of red wine

And stain the sheets dark crimson

As my hair comes unbraided

And the night falls.