where words fail

I know of a little antidote: some call it loyalty,

some don’t know it by a name. Having someone’s back

is more than hands flitting down a spine. It’s more intuitive. 

It’s jumping on the reverse frontline. It’s placing yourself, without thought—

where the stabbings happen. I need you behind me

the most. If you can’t act there, you wouldn’t

act any better if you saw my face, or with instruction. Don’t pretend

there’s affection only if it facilitates attraction, and don’t give me

diamonds. I want someone who knows me, first on scene,

when exhausted screams

to have my back

are so soundless yet so heard.

© Mollie Mardel