Gift

I am handing you a scalpel

Next, take my paper and pen.

Just please make sure to note that

I used to be very sweet

Is this clear?

Since I seem to be the one with the memories here.

(If not the sense)

While I watched my hourglass

You only noted the time

And when you kept asking for more and more of mine

You might as well have been asking for my kneecap, a lock of my baby hair, or a kidney.

Did it ever feel like a child’s game? If so, all of this was mine first

I’ve heard you said “I need you.”

But I’m keeping everything I am

Sweetly and sanely inside of me now

And next time you need some piece of me, I’d say

When I am dead and done with myself, darling

I can be your gift,

And I know you’d be happy to spare the embalmer some work.