The Worst in Me Believed You

snarls like snakes baring their fangs to open air,

a venomous tongue poking out between your teeth,

your words dripping with the aftertaste of hate.

you were my one sanctuary in a storm's eye,

and I wanted to believe in everything you said,

even when your glares turned my way for keeps.

all I seemed to gain was your disregard in doses,

till all I felt was the heft of your bitter diatribe

and the mocking kiss of your faint praise.

you thought I was little of brain and heart

even as both fell under your strain heaving,

breathing with renewed vigor for target practice.

you said I was dumb, a child, knowing no better—

and I fell for the words as if they were passioned pleas

because I didn't know better, at least when it came to you.

today marks the day since I ran away from you,

trying to save my life by divorcing yours,

but I still have to shed all the lies I ate up—

believing you knew me best first and foremost,

no matter what anyone else said along the way.