Every word A tiny prick of pain So carefully measured So carefully measured Subconsciously administered Disguised as medicine Disguised as medicine Your voice etched into stone As you create my form Every line from memory The curve of collarbones Every kiss A tiny gift of death So carefully portioned So carefully portioned Apothecary’s bitter tongue That tastes of medicine That tastes of medicine The gold pours down my throat A hand that slowly chokes A ribbon tied around your wrist To mitigate the flow