My silent roommate sleeps in the corner of my mind
He claims he has trouble sleeping
So instead he sleeps with me
He still can’t sleep
1am, 2am, the hours pass by
And he still can’t sleep
I tell him to count sheep
But he refuses
His large body thrashes about
He steals the covers and tugs at my shirt-
So, I can’t sleep
After a restless night
He gorges himself upon all my food
His greediness and desire
Overpowering my needs-
So, I can’t eat
I go for a walk to get some fresh air
My knees weak beneath me
Struggling to collect my thoughts
As the cars pass by-
I can’t think
I return to my room
And there he stands in a brown jacket
He has brought me a sweet treat
And claims I am his “favorite person”
I stand flattered but weary
I drench my words in honey
As I plead for him to leave
He finally agrees
To find another mind to roam
But before he leaves, he asks for one for thing
Just a small peck, a formal goodbye for his stay in my inn
I reluctantly agree
The room goes dark
“I’m just feeling you up…”
But I feel nothing.
Lane
"My silent roommate" This poem represents my experiences with sexual assault and being trapped in an abusive relationship