Please stop speaking to me as if I were a butterfly.
As if any word you say will make me run or cry.
I thought we had an understanding.
Maybe I’m just an expert at the game of pretend
I honestly didn’t know a friendly hug could have this end.
I thought I could do that.
Can’t you see I want to hug you and be able to be your friend?!
But you’d have expectations, and on me, you can’t depend.
I thought you knew that.
The way you speak and the way you gaze are signals I’ve seen before.
They say "don’t lead on, but don’t be cruel, and don’t drop his heart on the floor."
. . . But I don’t know how to do that
I can’t care for you as I did for others
it doesn’t tingle when you touch
I can dismiss your kindness
and it doesn’t matter much. to me.
Know that I’ve been in your position
but being acquaintances has to be my mission.
ismene 2/98
Please! Make me read no more!