Aphrodisiac
Written by Sabina England
the pain
in your eyes
i wish i could dissolve it
like chocolate in one’s mouth
the sorrow in your heart
so heavy
like a steel torch
the anger in your soul
overwhelms me
i struggle to withstand
against your rage
i’m not them
i’m not your enemy
i’m not like either one of your parent
i ain’t gonna abuse you
be cruel
curse
threaten
mock
you
no
i ain’t like these monsters
i cherish you
adore
admire
respect
i’m infatuated with you
i want to treat you good
and bring you joy
and take care of you
and kiss all over your body
let me bring a smile
onto your lips
see your eyes
lit up
you are so worth it
go ahead
take your anger out
on me
if it makes you feel better
i can take it
i’ll carry your burdens on my back
across the world
even if my back breaks
and i stumble
and i groan
and i collapse
and i shatter into thousands of pieces,
just for you.
let me be your angel
so i can spead my wings across
to shield you
from the monsters
you are
my aphrodisiac.
---
(originally published on "The American Dream is Dead," November 2011)
