Why I am never quite able to say <br />Exactly what <br />I mean? <br /> <br />These stupid words <br />Escape through the cracks <br />In my hands <br />Which I’ve clasped <br />Over my gaping mouth. <br /> <br />And the pain comes <br />Like I knew it would. <br />This is not the first time <br />My careless words have <br />Stained <br />Your face. <br />(and I’m sure it won’t <br />Be the last) <br /> <br />Could somebody tape <br />This void in my face shut? <br />And trap in the <br />Bitter fumes <br />That poison the ones I love <br />And sour my good intentions? <br />But I know <br />Tape isn’t strong enough. <br /> <br />So bury me. <br />Alive, if you can. <br />Dead, if you must. <br />And if through the yards <br />Of dirt and decay <br />You can still hear my voice… <br />(like a virus that cannot be destroyed) <br />Dig deeper. <br /> <br />But be forewarned. <br />Do not drink the water <br />That springs from this earth <br />For I will have polluted it <br />And the chronic venom will spread <br />To you. <br />And you will be the one <br />Rendered inarticulate <br />And you will be the one <br />Occupying the ground <br />At my side. <br /> <br />Unless you are unwilling to make <br />Such a sacrifice <br />As I have made. <br />And choose instead to remain among the surface, <br />Among those you loved. <br />Who, I promise, <br /> will no longer love you. <br /> <br />And the virus will spread <br />Hand to hand <br />Mouth to mouth <br />For now and for always… <br />Until the world <br />Collapses <br />Beneath the weight <br />Of misspoken <br />And misunderstood <br />Words.<br /><br />Abby Koning<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/words-are-a-virus/
