Gifts,
wrapped in red paper.
Red roses,
satin hearts.
Chocolates
and promises you can’t keep.
Kisses
and embraces.
Lovely dinners,
beef and wine.
Poetry
and trips to Paris.

I turn my back.
A gust of wind
sends chills down my spine.
I throw up,
laughing hysterically.
Wondering.
Where are the unspoken words of truth?
Questioning a stupid tradition.
Heartbroken lovers crying,
shameful.
Making me laugh.
What pity.

(2007)