Collapsing

6

Running through darkened alleys,

with my heart pounding in my ears.

My stomach twisting as you made his nose bleed,

my throat burning from the bottle.

It was hardly the kind of life I imagined.

But I loved you so, you with your smoky breath

and unending lust for me.

So I never protested as I slept in strangers spray painted homes,

and listened to the ever present grunge music.

I learned to join in on the fun,

to drown myself in a high.

Smoke in rotting bathroom stalls

and jump into pools from low rooftops.

I learned to embrace the darkness,

for the chance to see the light of your smile.