You came to me like a kid
in a candy store, picking
out your favorite treats.
I remember sitting on a shelf,
your eyes lighting up and reflecting
the colorful packaging – tickled pink.
Me, nestled next to the chocolates,
but I was a sucker
for you, hanging between your cherry lips
and entranced by green apple eyes
with a caramel center.

It didn’t take long for me
to stick to your gums, rotting
your perfect smile.
But at the same time, you savored me,
high on sugared desire.
I was sweet until the very last bit,
until your tongue dissolved me
until I was just a paper stick
that came apart with just a bit of saliva.
Until there was nothing left.

I know I caused your sugar crash,
but you should have known
that candy sticks to your skin
and I glued us together
so you’d never quite swallow me,
never quite get rid of me,
never quite move on.
I’ll live in your throat forever,
jagged edges cutting your esophagus
until you can’t breathe,
can’t speak,
can’t eat.