Get out of the back seat

The picture of her in my mind remains

On the couch

Looking up at me floating in the haze of the ceiling

“I need to go now

"Don’t hate me

“You drew the card

“Don’t hate me

“I need to be free

“Don’t hate me

“I’ll miss you most

“Don’t hate me

“I’ll still sing for you

“Until you hate me

Her head bows to the tray

Her finger on her nostril

And then the nod and plaster

For a year I was lied to

A heart attack they said

Years of abuse they said

Today they come clean

Her last wish was for me

“Don’t hate me” she said

They said

I said

Stop singing to me

don't hate me