Red

What’s your definition of romantic?

Note: I wanted to write something romantic but this happened instead. A moment from before with someone I’d rather forget.

 

The scent of red wine
curls sharply in my nostrils

I take it in;
the sickening liquid,
spills down my throat
as if it might make you
palatable.

You still taste corrosive,
all tannins
and teeth.

I wish you could
just hold me,
touch my cheek,
say something soft.

But the bitterness lingers
hot and cruel
on my tongue.

I press the edge of the glass
against my lips
it feels as cold
as your kiss

And all I can do
is swallow