Mentha spicata

Christmas songs sound like depressed lullabies

and my heart feels numb and my ankles are sore

as I dig my fingers into the ceramic mug

pull, pull, searching

my mouth tastes of bitter chocolate and a sweetness longed for.

 

the flavors hold on my tongue as I lean back in my chair again

with my legs slightly bent and splayed in front of me

I stroke my thumb back and forth across

lines on my palm, though

I don't trace any specific one, almost like

there is some sort of invisible scar there

that I wish was tangible

(then again, if it was, I wouldn't be tracing it)

 

she asks me if I'm okay and I

give a little nod and half a shrug and say

"I'm fine."

 

but I'm not. I'm lying.

Author's Note

Mentha spicata is the scientific name for spearmint, which is what half of peppermint is. Peppermint is a hybrid cross with spearmint + watermint = peppermint. Menthol is a compound obtained from peppermint and other mints, and can have a sort of local anesthetic quality.
pic by lyoki on deviantart http://lyoki.deviantart.com/art/Mint-91066871