Boarderline Love

As the years trickle past,

my blood thickens,

I can read your attacks.

Your glass wall of protection is cracking.

Vicious and juvenile, she

casts a lightning streak, a clouded fog

burning my eyes as she barks taunts

into reddening ears, I ache

to release one—hard—swipe,

one good crack

that you so deserve.

But I restrain the golden-glove

boxer within my throbbing heart

waiting for the emotional

beatings to stop.

‘I know she’s going to leave me,’

She’s the grandmother who bakes nails

into her cookies,

“I love you unconditionally…”

under one condition

I am her punching bag and her ‘sweet girl.’

I’ve lost count of how many times her barb caught

on my weathered heart and tugged

a little too hard.

I will always love you, forever