Cannibalized

Too many times in my life

have I been Mr. Right

only to be let down

as Mr. not right now.

Always more than friends

but short of where romance begins.

So much emotional labor.

So many favors.

So much effort.

So many nevers.

Wishes. Unactualized.

Consumed. Cannibalized.

--

Family ties soured.

I'm too often devoured.

Moving between prodigal son

and he's the only one.

Generational curses weigh

on relationships frayed.

A thousand souls rest on my shoulders.

Some quiet, some bolder.

Alive, physical, wrapped around me

like any living being: hungry.

Wishes. Unactualized.

Consumed. Cannibalized.