Alana Hayes
Grow the Fuck Up
you had me at hello
and those eyes
you lost me at
your entitlement
the way you text me at 3am
like you can’t understand why
my universe doesn’t start and end with you
how could i not wake up right then
when you want me?
and how could i ever choose
going to brunch with my friends
over obsessively checking my phone to see if you texted?
in-con-ceiv-a-ble…like i’m sure
and even after i tell you
“this isn’t going to work out”
and block you off my phone
you still find other ways to contact me
make sure i know i can’t get away for free like that
after you spent your money to take me on a date
you tell me to grow the fuck up
like I should already know that big girls grown up girls
pay for men’s attention
it’s a transaction darling
he wants it paid for in body parts
and adoring smiles
as if it’s robbery to receive anything less
it was one date asshole
and a week’s worth of text messages
i offered to go dutch and you
ever the gentleman
turned me down
but even if i hadn’t
I. Never. Owed. You. Shit.
Alana Hayes a 25 year-old graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she received a BA in english literature and another in women and gender studies. Most of her poetry revolves around themes of Judaism, feminism, and social justice issues. Her work has appeared in Night Music Journal. My instagram is @womanasriot.
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