you wear your jealousy like a coat of armor
using it to protect your heart
when you embrace me
your scattered thoughts attack you
and you wonder
where I’ve been
with who
and how long
and in your kiss
I can taste your anxiety
it’s bitter, and coppery, and overflowing
but you, and your manly pride
will never admit to it
the truth as you know it and I know it
the truth as it poisons us and this relationship
leaving you gaunt and thin
and me
shamefaced and stuttering
although I have done nothing wrong