If I told you what I believed,
It would change how you see me.
You’re not ready for the honesty
So I’ll supply any lie you need.

Growing like ivy ever upward,
Winding lies,
Crawling, clinging,
To whatever is closest
With structural integrity,
Integrity I am sacrificing
In the name of closeness.

It’s corrosive –
Devouring, overpowering
Principles and values and self worth
But that’s irrelevant;
I’ll do anything to keep you near me
Even if it’s shifting me for the worst.

Morality
or
Desire

My truth would scar your innocence,
And I could never forgive myself that sin.
I have to protect you,
Even if you never know.

Jessie Gutierrez