grape in the sun.

you stand there with your hands to your side
relaxed, but for a twitch, the first truth in the lie
(read once in a crumpled magazine
placing your arms across your chest means
you're worthless and you're weak).

but i can see more than the false bravado
and the puffed out chest like a bird,
pride and immodesty your motto,
displaying like you're the best
(we all know you're just acting, love,
give it a rest).

i can see your teeth clenched

hear the crackling of the bone

grinding your teeth and smiling

like you are sturdy as a stone. 

like honey, you feed them lines

a steam of lies curling -- like signs
that you are not who you say you are.

you simper and cajol, and
make love to them all. 

but inside, you're curled up

shriveled up like a grape in the sun

and maybe one day 

(yes, one day you'll learn

to stand tall, you think) 

maybe one day, you'll see that 

if you don't actually swim, you'll sink.