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Every Time It Happens


by Jennifer Donnell


Every time it happens,
I think of Amber Heard.

I'm a narcissist.
A bitch.

And how hard you can be slapped
without a bruise forming.

It's only red.
A slight sting.

Tonight, my left cheek when I took a chance 
at normal conversation,
then my arm when I wouldn't agree

That I'm to blame for your choices.

How much pain do you risk to save a life,
when sanity lies at the bottom of a bottle of pills?

One per day.
If only you would.

Yet, madness mistakes my handshake for a punch,
my thank you for fuck you.

My mouth.
The right side of my head (that one hurt).

I call for help,
but they don't see any bruises.

Light blue.
Two days.

Besides the mental ward is full of people
with better insurance and
can you fault a mind on the brink?

How much of my life 
am willing 
to spare?



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