There’s a slow burn in behaviors unlearned

Soft or relentless, hard-earned patience

Consistent work, and over-awareness

I am afraid I’ve led others astray

Mimicry in motion, sincerity in name

Bitter-tasting potion and doubt growing shame

Call it dramatic, an overreaction

I didn’t ask you—my hurt is my own

I felt the plates crack, I watched it grow

Up ‘round the trees

The vines wrapped so tightly

Parasitic hunger, block out the sunlight

Gulp down all the water and suck the soil dry

She said

“You’re the most delicatе person I know”

She said

“You’re thе most delicate person I know”

When the sweat broke

Smell tobacco smoke

Watch the fireplace be stoked

I am afraid of great billows contained

And a home engulfed in flame

She said

“You’re the most delicate person I know”

She said

“You’re the most delicate person I know”

She said

“You’re the most delicate person I know”

She said

“You’re the most delicate person I know”

She said

She said

She said