Be Careful Who You Love — a poem about love gone wrong

On a day so fraught with ghosts and demons,
I wish I had guarded my heart a little more fiercely.
A little barbed wire is a wise defense
when the veil is so thin
and the wolves so hungry.
A machete might be warranted
to slice the snakes that sneak in.
But all I brought is encased in skin.
Just me, my costume, and my sin.

My youth really failed me that night.
Tricked and mistreated,
sweet tooth unabated.
I traded a lifetime of magic
for one night with Houdini.
The rabbit in the hat
was neglected and near death.
I took off my glasses
and the blur helped me forget.
The metaphor was lost on me.
I was half aware, lost in dreams.

Michael always told me,
"Be careful who you love."
I danced, I applauded,
I did not listen.
The rings are joined—
the girl is missing.
The experience was a curse
and a blessing.