Things I'Ve Learned From You Poem by Pasha Satara

Light yr cigarettes as fast as you can
& always keep the flame inside yr hand

Keep yr gun barrels dull
because shiny weapons alert the enemy

A woman's children will fear her
by the company she keeps

Some men really do care
only about their own pleasure

Be a martyr
it's hard work but it pays well

Never expect kindness
but always be thankful for it

& on the nights when there's no yelling or bruising
do not take it for granted

because the anger demons are white ghosts
that return to stand at the foot of yr bed

& hiss in yr ear forever more
leaving fingerprints of chalk on yr pillow