Poem by Jada Washington

Dark eyes,

framed with long eyelashes,

peer at me.

You stride with purpose,

gently resting your palm against the left side of my chest.

Blood pounding against my ears,

I hesitantly nod.

Your lips stretch into a smile,

the light reflecting off your white teeth,

and I gulp,

unwilling to mind any iota of self-preservation.

Squelching and crunching surround us,

and I resolutely stare,

waiting.

Crimson coats your fingers.

Beating erratically,

my heart pulses.

You walk away,

taking what is rightfully yours,

and I collapse,

aching.

It’s not like I needed it anyway.