Splayed

She’s been spread out on the ground
ever since it happened
motionless and silent
pushed
     over
          the edge
by things she couldn’t handle
Razorblades and alcohol

Pick your poison
She remembered the first time
When it felt numb and she was flying
No harm until sobriety set in
Silver relief was her answer.

She’s been sprawled out on the sidewalk
ever since it happened
motionless and silent
pushed
     over
          the edge
By things she couldn’t take
tasting fear and rape

It’ll be okay
She remembered the first time
When belief was out of reach
Bruised and cut from lust
There was nothing she could do.

She’s been splayed out on the earth
ever since it happened
motionless and silent
pushed
     over
          the edge
By things she couldn’t live
And the last words she told the world
Still linger in the streets.
”You’ll only stop when I’m gone.”