LOVE Poem: a rumor, by Samantha Dave

inspired by “A Rumor” by Safia Elhillo

say i sunk my teeth into a peach
say the sweet juice dripped down my chin

from the place where my lips part
down to the curve of my jaw

say i painted my face with a cherry
& tied the stem in a knot with my tongue

say i am a performer say i made a choice
when i chose to eat the peach

say that i was too proud say that i deserved
to be torn apart and sewn back together

with the petals of black dahlias
say i am a wife & not a husband

say i am a slut swimming down a river
say he should have held me under

& saved them all the trouble
say i’m confused say it’s just a phase