you wear your hair like a pet

on your shoulder, left

where i want to hold you

but we're not there yet

i hold your words on my lips

softly, pursed - just stay

i offer you everything to compete

and i wait for your bartering

it doesn't come, of course, it won't

so i think of what i can give

i'd give everything

and that leaves me poor

there has to be something

that folds, eventually

that bends or breaks

but i'm a merchant of war

you'll find no peace here

my darling, not in me

i am unholy, i poison water

where i drink and where i lie

i love you not because i can

but i must thirst to survive

and that is my sacrifice

you didn't ask for