“Message Read” Antonio Folcarelli

2 MESSAGE READ

Antonio Folcarelli | 2nd Place

How much easier, Simpler it’d be if you said You hate me.

Dissolve my emotional investment, For me. Help me Put it in the red.

Often, an impression of your company Grazes my mind, and conjures Archived thoughts, sealed moments. I like it. I sink in its steaming bath, Strawberry-favored Blow Pop Rough against my Tongue – I think that was your Flavor of choice.

Inevitably, ice fragments churn in, Diminishing into tepid water. Some days I stay submerged Until chills set in.

Squirming Like a bruise is massaged.

What if, instead, scarlet light difused Onto a lone basin, and your likeness Returned from its soluble murk Blank.

Indiference Shares vertices with Distance and disappointment. Each ofer a sliver of hope, And nausea, in equal parts.

I don’t think you hate people, Not remote friends, at least. So consider it a favor.

Extenuating circumstances.

Make it irresponsible to talk to you. Just Don’t be too specifc About my shortcomings.

I think about the cowardice Involved, but I’ve lived with An acerbic ending. No one taught me how to play Tin can telephone.

When morning broils my bedroom, Nerves fortify, and I consider: Some burnt bridges can be Leapt across. Even Overexposure leaves Phantoms.