Demands

Once, for your lapse in judgment

Twice, for your need to speak unbid

A third time, for your not-so-subtle betrayal

And three more times, for I felt like it.

I was not angry, I do not lash out unchecked

I was unhurt, for I expected no less

It would be falsehood to claim ambivalence

For I knew precisely why I did it

I would do it again, that is the lesson

Subversive diversion, manipulation

Temerity, the order of the day

Modus Operandi of an inglorious past

I will not be swayed from this path

I will not be convinced otherwise

You will endure this

When you are finally left with nothing

Bereft of all, depleted of stores

Then I will take everything

When you have nowhere left to turn

No avenue not traversed

Then I will show you the way