I used to think that I loved quietly

with soft words and gentle touches

well practiced

and given with ease

But it isn’t love

when used as an antidote

for loneliness

Because I know now that I love

hungrily

tearing at my flesh with crumbling teeth

as if I’ll never be fed again

As if

the moment I stop loving

I’ll realize that

despite it all

I still don’t know how to love myself

Image courtesy of DAVIDCOHEN.