Breaking Off

You are the backhanded blow and

The throbbing beat that pulses on

The sting sure to leave copper marks

Sharp and tangy inside my mouth.

 

I fastidiously review

Every clenching word that you chuck

Penknives aimed for precise bloodshed

Tearing my origami skin

With the reverence you would swat

The buzzing fly, small irritant

I have no higher rank than that

Pesky gnat you curse and berate

 

As I gaze into iceberg eyes

Glossy black staring back at me

And feel the blue fingers and toes

I taste the bite of letting go