Argument

you never take me to the woods anymore / we could have watched
the fire die again / the embers blinking / sleepy drunk / you’re tired
I’m tired / I’m so tired / why don’t you laugh the way I laugh at you
when you laugh / and give me your hand / but even if I take it you
should know you have it cocked at me like a gun / why can’t you
just be normal / I am so tired of you / such a selfish word I have to
repeat / give it to me / you’re wasting your heart it’s still / leaking
blood / on my shirt / why do I always need to remind you / I need
you / to fucking listen and think / and apologize / you’re not leaving
before I take your throat because mine is too sore from screaming /
I’m throwing away your legs because you’ll mean it / this time /
you’ll be sorry / you asked me / if I’m okay / you said / you said /
you were a good person but none of your parts are any good / why
can’t you just / be normal / and collapse / why can’t I break you /
some things are better broken

Author of the article

Issam Zeibak is an Arab American poet in Brooklyn whose work explores the Arab diaspora, identity and loss. He has performed extensively throughout New York City with features in The New York Arab Festival, Kan Ya Makan, Make Waves, and others. His work appears in Koukash Review, Yuvoice, and elsewhere.