i was taught
by lovers
and by friends

the ways in which
a heart can be manipulated,
ways in which it can be
irreparably crushed

the things they taught me
i remember well
crystal clear
i am unable to forget

and now i believe
that despite what people say
i am difficult to love
someone to be used
to be fucked and tossed aside
i am too much
and simultaneously too little

too many things
these ex lovers
and faux companions
have taught me to believe

and every day
without fail
i remember.