Can you love me without consumption?

Simply leave me the way you found me

Without swallowing me whole,

Jaw unhinged like a snake

Delighting in their afternoon meal. 

 

Instead can you put me back into my box

So no one would ever know the difference?

Dust off my clothes, wipe my face

Fix my hair and shine my shoes

Ready again, as good as new. 

 

I have wasted too much time 

With you to be broken too

Give me my newness back

It is the least you can do 

Treasure me as I once treasured you. 

 

Then if I want to destroy myself

That is my prerogative. 

If I rip out my hair, tear my clothes

Light a fire under my skin -

It would be for me and mine alone.