Mallory (ˈmæləri)

(n.) “Unfortunate” or “ill-fated”

I should have looked up your name

that night I drank myself confident,

before that moment we met,

drowning my trembling fibers

in honeyed peach liquor.

I wouldn't have mistaken

my body's hesitation for nerves.

But rather a warning,

that my fear was well-placed

due to the snake coiled at my waist.

It would have severed

the haze of bliss

and alcohol from my mind,

allowing me to hear

the alarm bells singing—

so loudly, it jolted

my eyes wide

awake. To clearly see

you were never right for me.

You were

perfect.

As perfect as a dream

never come true.

I could have saved

myself from an everlasting

burn. Karma, heavy and

chained to my ankle.

Heartbreak forged from tungsten

dragging across

every step

forward.