Opening

The paper crinkles,
ribbons and bows pull apart,
the gifts rip open.

How can you describe
the nothings that you wanted
but will not receive?

Whatever's inside,
how could it measure up to
whatever is not?

(freedom) tied with a bow

Just cast me aside.
There's no need to fear mistakes
with a life based on

forced companionship.
Let's end this empty thing now.
Why do you force me

to be the one that
admits that this is over?
There is just one thing

that I bothered to write down
on my gift list...see?
I don't want your gifts,

or your praise, or your
promises waiting to break.
I want myself back.

not real

Am I real to you?
Or a known flight of fancy,
a dream best ignored?

I'm made to fade fast,
girl sculpted from sand, and won't
be here tomorrow.

I sit on the beach,
to die with the next high tide.
I wanted to stay.