Poison

I drink the bitter poison for you

I think it is my job

I think this is what it means to love someone

I read the vial

It isn't poison, it’s your medicine 

I keep drinking 

To help you 

To cure you 

I think this is what it means to love someone 

The medicine makes me ill, I say

I offer it back 

You tell me to keep drinking

Is this what it means to love someone?

The liquid in the vile is never depleted

I drink

I don't know what it feels like to be well

Is this what it means to love someone?

I find a jar with my name on it

I sample it contents

It fills my mouth with honeyed sweetness 

You put your vial back in my hand

Is this what it means to love someone?

I have a choice

Sweet or bitter

Which do I choose? I ask

You put your vial back in my hand

Is this what it means to love someone?

I have a choice

Your health or mine

I do not ask this time

I cannot drink your medicine and hope to cure you

You put your vial back in my hand

This is not what it means to love someone

I cry as put the vial on the table

I cry as a walk away

Because I cannot stay if I am required to drink

I grieve the years I thought this was love