Before I Sleep

Before I sleep,
Do not touch me with your hand
Because it was not present
On my forehead, on times that I was not feeling well
On my back, on times that I was overwhelmed at life’s challenges
On my hand, when I needed an assurance that I am not alone
Do not cry
Because you have always longed for this to come
Do not tell me that those daily reminders are nothing but empty cans
Do not feign your sadness
Because your eyes will always tell the truth

Before I sleep,
Collect your empty promises,
Eat your hurtful words,
And get your exploitative love
Because no one needs them
And no one ever will.

©Emma Charlotte Gray