I take your hand filled with thorns.

It hurts so much,

and I’ve seen it all before.

but then I look up at your crinkled smile

and drown out the stings,

and pings.

all the infidelity and insincerity 

that hurts my head.

letting the blood slip out of my skin

I bite my tongue

and let you have your way.

I know it’s foolish of me,

but I no longer try and resist,

so I stay.