BOARD

Is this the other side of things? 

Romance when rolling a six? 

I don't feel better, but board

game metaphors feel childish

and a poor descriptor to how 

I want to die unless touched 

and cooed at like I'm the cutest. 

Feel I belong 

and I am desired 

for it. 

I get why that boy left our 

game of LIFE one summer. 

He wasn't getting the job 

he wanted and without a wife, 

edging closer to the 

other side of the board. 

I wanted to keep going because: 

dream career, 

and plenty little pink stubs for children riding 

in my plastic red, cartoon shaped car. 

I didn't mean to run him over. 

I didn't mean to emotionally labor him 

and then, shortly thereafter, 

put him down

like a sick house cat 

with no purpose. 

I don't force people to listen to me

about anything. 

I graffiti my thoughts on anyone 

without their consent. 

He was just into it. 

Never washed it off. 

Masochism in an aging face 

and expanding body.