I am sorry.
I know
– I can tell
from your stance
and your tired eyes
that you are sick of the attention,
done with the stares.

I realize you don’t need
the additional attention
I now provide
and I get that you, like some latter day Greta,
want no one sniffing out your candy.

It’s just that I’m sweet on you.

I recognize
that when you’re as beautiful
and wounded
as you so clearly are
it’s like the freaks smell your weakness
and jump head first
into the hunt
to take advantage of your vulnerability
and get from you
whatever they can.

I would like to join their list
if you would be so kind.

I will be different from the other predators
in that I am asking your permission
which is a step in the polite direction.
Won;t you let me,
please,
to the best of my ability,
exploit you?