A Sonnet For Self Preservation

Once a lover said to me “I’d like to pick your brain,” “You’re a beauty darling, but I think you’re quite insane.” I did not doubt a word he said so I opened up my mind I think he got a little scared when he realized what he’d find. Empty bourbon bottles, littered in my head Crumpled up old snuff notes, wishing I was dead. Then one of the voices that once belonged only to me Snuck into his consciousness out of curiosity It whispered scary sayings right into his ear He clutched my hand tightly, said “Never leave me, dear.” I looked into terrified eyes with sincere empathy But felt nothing but relief that the terror had left me. Before it could crawl back to me I shut my mind quickly, I will be damned if I’m the one living life sickly.