Apparently

We give those we love
Power to destroy us.
All others we protect against.
All others are kept distant.

Those we love
Know how weak
How vulnerable we are.

We show them our tender places
Where the blood is most near the surface.
We give the ones we love the poison
Most lethal
We put the knife
The gun
In their hands
The words
On their lips
The traitor’s caress
In their touch.

Strangers have never pained me.
But the ones I love
Have grievously wounded me
Again and again.

And I foolishly give them
Opportunity
To do it right next time.

Apparently
I would rather die
Than pretend I am not loved
As much as I love.