Quarry

I won’t be lured again

by the likes of you

I know you too well already

you’re great at the thrust and parry

and say words in the exact sequence

I need to hear them

you have this knack of getting the better of me

I’ve met you before.

Those eyes that speak volumes across rooms

a face that etches itself upon my mind

you keep me up at night

dragging out old forty-fives to remember you by

I’m not myself around the likes of you

I’m not myself after you.

State your name, sir

plead your case if you like

but it would be you in the end

who came out alive

I choose instead to turn and run now

before giving you the chance to lame me.