Why fear her germs that are inside you which is
Like her depression that exists within your heart
So you can’t leave never to be absolved
So you can’t leave to continue to torture yourself
But you cannot for anything accept what is as
She leans in closer just before you depart
Tell her things will be easier at some distant time
Tell her anything to get her to stand back, down
So you can leave never to be absolved
So you can leave to continue to torture yourself
Why fear her germs that are inside you which is
Like your depression that exists within your heart

Grant M. Armstrong's work has appeared in Allegory Ridge, Blue Lake Review, WINK, and various other outlets. His first poetry book, A gentleman's nightmare, will be published in the summer of 2024.

Published 29th December, 2023.