He looks at me like I’m a different species,

his natural predator.

And, yet, we loved each other once.

I hold the gun that’s pointing to his forehead,

he has a steeled knife.

Without a blink, he points it to my heart.

He grins and pushes slowly, leaving traces

of painful blood onto my skin.

I pull the trigger as a final warning.

To him, I broke the vow, I cheated first,

to me, he is the villain.

As if we’re playing an old game of guilt.

He sees my tears, the trembling of my hands

that hold the gun against him.

I see the contempt in his hateful eyes.

I whisper “Stop!” as sharp blades tear my skin,

“I will, I swear I’ll shoot you!”

But we both know, I’m a horrendous liar…

“Take your shot, stranger. You’ll only get one.

What in the hell you’re waiting!

I’ll rip your heart off, unless you hit first!”

And then I drop the gun.