unripe youths are swollen
on the bottom and soft at the top.
my thumb tore the tender skin, pierced through the truth.
i refuse to apologize;
every thorn bears your face.
my nail digs deeper.
my vision blurs. my head
begins to ache.
the skin splits.
clumps of yellow flesh.
sap seals my fingers but
i will not relent.
i steadily hold on;
the wind tickles my ears.
i pierce the center, my thumb severs the core.
i cling to your name as the façade begins to fade.
when will i ever see a
genuine expression
on your precious face?
falling in love with these unripe youths is tough on the stomach.
i cannot handle anymore
saccharine untruths.
Mecca-Amirah Jackson 