I am a liar, a dirty cheater, and my mother agrees while she weeps at the shelter.
You bow down when my lips tell you to and sacrifice for me when my eyes command you, but never believe me when I warn you.
You dress me in velvet and take me for long drives, talking about the greenery of your country, your eyes filled with shine. You introduce me as your throne, your pride, followed by an 80’s lady in the morning and a slut at night.
You shower me in mysterious drinks with affection, justifying how you’ll die before me because of your age and time.
Did I ever tell you I find downtown Toronto terribly unimpressive, your Lexus is hot, I despise the snow, and I will never wear the cashmere dress your mom gifts me nor will I serve you tea with your nauseating evaporated milk while you lay down on your plain blue sheets, that I will terribly miss when I leave you forever.
You pray for a sweet love story, hoping I don’t stop. But how do I stop when I never started?
The night is getting longer, confronting you is now harder, oh, what a shame, I will await the sun alone, perhaps still with a smile.
Breathe me in, when you taste poison on your tongue. Breathe in deeply, for that will be the last time we unite.
– Rimsha Qazi