Piper Brown (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Cruelty, our words harsh, unforgiving
“What’s on your mind? ” I say
Silence then “Nothing” my mind screams, “Lie! ”
Hurt flashes, my heart growing cold, icy
I practically whisper, “So I’m not on your mind? ”
Clueless says silent for a moment, debating, pain
Then splutters, “No, baby, you’re always on my mind.”
A cruel thought enters my mind, tempted
I snicker and he says, “Tell me”
A banter of bickering then I finally let it go
“of course you weren’t thinking of me
You’re too busy thinking of Brianna White”
His long forgotten crush’s name shocks him
But not enough to slow his mind
Feigning shock, “Oh, how’d you know? ”
I feel like a knife has cut me to ribbons
Jealousy already set in, festers
Opening and closing like a fish
My mouth is dry, heart twisted
“Oh, so you were.” I manage to squeak
Pain, anger, Why? ?
“No, baby I wasn’t. She’s... “ stops short
Swearing I accurately describe who she is
Silence, stupid, painful abiding silence
“Baby, I love you.” His voice low, hurt
“I love you too” forgiveness
Forgiveness, but not all insults
Can be laughed at