nothing like they say

love is nothing like they say

it's not butterfly kisses

it's not tender moments

it’s ruthless hissing in your ears

and voices in your head

telling you to

stop.

but you can't, not now

it’s teeth that bite down

hard

and don't let go

gnashing and clawing at your heart

until it falls out onto the concrete in front of you

still beating

slowly

- nothing like they say