these are the things I no longer wish to understand
like the empty ache
of a new cold space on the bed beside you
and the fading scent of the one who left
like the heavy pressure on your chest
that makes the idea of getting up
almost impossible
like the sting of rough hands
unwanted on tender skin
the violation of heart and body both
memories are bitter reminders
caution tape and flares
I will never not understand
the touch of betrayal or
the taste of depression or
the heat of violence
these things are a part of me
like it or not
heavy lessons [poem]
Larissa Lee 