"Every time you get hurt, I'll buy you new earrings"

why would you even think that would make me feel better

as if insignificant pieces of jewelry

could reverse the pain you've tattooed into my bones 

(why do you choose to hurt me)

I would never wear earrings you've touched anyways

and so now I have box after tiny box of earrings lining my dresser

absorbing dust like the ghosts of my feelings for you

(choking on particles of dead skin)

please, go waste your money on something else

if you had taken the time to get to know me

you would have remembered

my ears aren't pierced