don’t wrap me in blankets with false

gentle touches, only to eventually

smother me as i thrash under you.

(but rather, embrace me in your

warmth as we lay curled like two

parentheses.)

don’t smile at me with teeth when

the light doesn’t quite reach you

usually expressive eyes.

(but rather, speak to me softly, or

don’t speak to me at all. i just want

a fond gaze in my direction.)

don’t tread on me.

(but rather, treat me like how you

treat the american flag.)

k.s.