Yearning for affection
Rudderless - no direction
Devoured by guilt and shame
This affliction has no name
Orbiting 
Infectious
Consumes and all-consuming
Cannot say 
What needs to be said
So instead 
This tongue 
Slowly
Bitten to shreds

Love is a number with no name
Guilt and shame 
Treats everyone the same
Maladaptive responses
In the first place
These life choices
No choice but to choose
Decisions made before birth
Curse this flaming Earth
And when, "by chance," 
You come this way
No ointment
Can take the pain away

Photo by Warren on Unsplash

© 2024 Samantha Williams. All Rights Reserved.