sestina poem

I told him "don't"

He did it anyway.

I said "don't touch me"

He didn't stop.

I pushed him away,

He only came closer.

I didn't want him closer.

He said "don't.

Don't push me away"

I did it anyway.

I wanted it to stop.

He said "you need me"

I pleaded, "don't hurt me"

"But I want us to be closer"

"Please," I said, "stop.

You want me, but I don't.

It's not like you love me anyway."

He said "I'm not going away"

"You have to go away.

Please. Please just leave me."

He stayed anyway

And whispered closer,

In my ear, "don't.

Don't tell me to stop."

"I need you to stop"

"We can run away"

"Stop....just...don't"

"I know you love me.

If you could just let me get closer...."

Why resist? He's going to do it anyway.

He says, "it's not like you have a life without me anyway"

My heart comes to a stop.

I feel his breath as he gets closer.

I shove him away.

I push him far from me.

Then I give in and say, "You're right. I don't"

-valerie barrera