with prejudice

everyone seems to love without prejudice

but if I were a legal action letter

I would politely inform you that my breathing is for you

and will only ever be for you

“With Prejudice”

marked at the very top of the letter

and bolded for emphasis

I wish I knew how others can mark their documents

differently than I

how they can move forward

recognizing the possibility of inconsequence

I can’t choose otherwise

my claim of “I love you” is sealed, signed, and witnessed

my affidavit, my solemnly sworn truth

like a court-ordered fine, it must be carried out

you never returned your side of the agreement

I hold a debt that won’t go away until I pay in full

the account won’t be sold to collections

they won’t start calling for their share

I never want anyone else after me

I only ever want to tell you

that I will love you until I stop breathing

“With Prejudice”

-2011