Masochistic

The vermillion smile captivated me

As I saw the crimson shower pour

From his beautifully split lips.

Liquid roses dotted his blue polo

And his opponents’ wooden fists

Made more and more bloom.

I saw the painting coming together

As they brawled, splattering scarlet

Across the recycled tire mulch,

Along the length of the swingset,

And onto my black Converse

Where they dried into mahogany daisies.

I wore them home, showed them off

As symbols of my lover’s passion,

Then chased them through my life.

Searched for men willing to seed

Specks of carmine to sow into flowers,

Blooms to cover my shoes and face,

Rows to line my skin and heart,

Flecks of heart to shower me with

For there is no love without a little pain.