Because, A Sonnet

Well, just because I loved him nearly
Enough, at least, that I could hardly bear it
Rose-colored glasses off, I now see clearly
For none will stop me, ‘though I fear it
Like a virus, ‘ready slipped beneath my skin,
Not living, nor dead, it spread the symptoms,
By what means it had to send a sentry, alien
Scout supplied the nerve to mimic phantoms.
Gulp down the medicated tincture, antigens
Take time to permeate the known pathologies,
Draws blood, the Ace of Swords, a surgeon’s
Steady hand could not sew shut, nor slice
My byssal thread-bare adductor muscles
Tenuous tissue he holds-fast to my cells.

Leah C. Stetson

Poet’s note: I have been writing a poem a day for the month of January to raise funds for the small nonprofit literary press, Tupelo Press. Please consider making a donation to this wonderful little press, which accomplishes so much and depends on the generosity of donors and lovers of poetry. TP Donate