I don't want to get too close.
You're fine to look at,
but whenever I want to touch you, it feels...
I feel like I could break you in two.

So I told you that last night
and you laughed at me, sprawled, spotless
from you place on the bed
and said
go ahead

My heavy fingers leave dark pools
where they trace your skin. I am staining beauty.
I could go back in time and recite
every life event that brought me closer to you
you laughed again and said,
keep counting.

I could stick a finger down your throat
and all of that laughter would spill out
leave you, stained and...
I don't want to say crippled

but what other word is there
when every trace of girlish innocence and delight
is stripped from your face?