i sip coffee
in the morning
like a ritual,

burning tongue
and throat
is my favorite way
to wake myself,

but my body knows
how to adjust,

like pain
is a challenge
to take more,

so i kiss
the same mouth
that bites me,

but don't get me wrong,
even if i'm silently begging
for more,

i just want
to know the pain
that would make me say
no.

©ariachez
aug032021

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