Lesson Learned
By Ashley O’Hare
I have met many frogs
in my search of the lost prince.
The first one I kissed
turned out to be a ghastly dragon.
Giving him the benefit of the doubt
was my worst mistake.
My heart convinced me
that boundaries are rude
and there is no such thing as “instinct.”
By the time my brain joined the discussion,
his claws were digging deep into my chest.
Against medical advice, I escaped his grasp.
I’m still bleeding out.
I have tried every band-aid,
every brand of gauze,
and every suture under the sun.
The only option remaining
is cauterization.
Just one more burn
and I’ll be free.
Just one more burn
and I’ll have learned my lesson.
ashleyohare 