I'm a word that no one ever wants to say.

I’d learn to love you like a loaded gun cold metal prayer pressed into my palm promise trembling louder than fear every time the night asks who I belong to

I’d bury my better angels in the yard if they ever spoke your name in doubt let the worms have my conscience you can keep what’s left of my breathing

I don’t love you clean I love you like a crime scene washed in the river and carried home anyway still warm, still mine

If the world comes knocking with badges and blame I’ll answer barefoot and smiling say I did it for love and mean every terrible word

We’ll build a house out of bad decisions hang our hopes from rusted nails and sleep easy knowing damnation finally found a reason worth the trip