Words of Detriment

Jokingly, at himself, “Idiot.” 

All too dramatic, “Can’t you do anything right?” 

Laughter. “You. Are. Worthless.” 

They don't mean it,

They tease each other in love,

But it’s like they’re laughing at me. 

Laughing at me for feeling this way. 

But it’s not that – they are oblivious to me. 

I could say, “I say that to myself all the time.” 

And they would stop. 

Better yet, one word.  Said with pain. 

Said with authority. 

“Stop.” 

And they would stop.

They would regret their joy in the face of suffering.