Bile

Your life could be worse. You could have inspired someone to write this:

I’d forgotten the taste of bile

When you walk through my door

I’d forgotten that noxious smell

Greed, spite, and pride infused

I’d forgotten deep self-loathing

Watching myself loathe you

My heat rises, my throat constricts

My eyes glazing, I gasp

To cool! To breathe! To sit in peace!

Were it not for that smell

I’d forgotten the taste of bile