At first glimpse you were precious,
but I already knew that.
I’d noticed you before,
noticed, but never seen.
And then my eye was fixed,
on your interesting shapes
and hues so delicate.
I could watch you day and night.
When I touched you, all I knew
was soothing smoothness,
a coolness, refreshing,
unlike that which I know.
I wanted you, craved you,
like an allergy reversed,
coveted, desired
longing like nothing else.
So I picked you up
to show you off,
possess you,
my treasured vanity.
I punched a hole
and drove a ribbon through.
The chipped pieces of you lay broken
and I didn’t even notice.
At first the secret was a thrill,
a minor diversion,
a new thing, a risk,
an all or nothing game.
And now I’ve tied you round my neck,
the weight, the dullest groan.
Ensnared, I cannot reach the knot
to release this heart-shaped stone.