bruises

I want to scream at you
and slap you -
but you have no idea you're hurting me
only by being you.
You can't see the bruises you leave
- since they're on my heart and soul.
They ache all the same
And don't fade.
Instead, I slap you with a smile
because I want to see you happy.
And my consolation
is the hope
that if you knew how badly
you were hurting me -
my smile would hurt you worse
than my hand.

ismene 10/98
Stop!! (gasp) NOOO more!