Words Are A Virus Poem by Abby Koning

Why I am never quite able to say
Exactly what
I mean?

These stupid words
Escape through the cracks
In my hands
Which I’ve clasped
Over my gaping mouth.

And the pain comes
Like I knew it would.
This is not the first time
My careless words have
Stained
Your face.
(and I’m sure it won’t
Be the last)

Could somebody tape
This void in my face shut?
And trap in the
Bitter fumes
That poison the ones I love
And sour my good intentions?
But I know
Tape isn’t strong enough.

So bury me.
Alive, if you can.
Dead, if you must.
And if through the yards
Of dirt and decay
You can still hear my voice…
(like a virus that cannot be destroyed)
Dig deeper.

But be forewarned.
Do not drink the water
That springs from this earth
For I will have polluted it
And the chronic venom will spread
To you.
And you will be the one
Rendered inarticulate
And you will be the one
Occupying the ground
At my side.

Unless you are unwilling to make
Such a sacrifice
As I have made.
And choose instead to remain among the surface,
Among those you loved.
Who, I promise,
will no longer love you.

And the virus will spread
Hand to hand
Mouth to mouth
For now and for always…
Until the world
Collapses
Beneath the weight
Of misspoken
And misunderstood
Words.