She Exists Between Modes

What if she’s not here for you at all?

Don’t over-write them.

Let them breathe. Then listen.

That’s what most men can’t do—on the page, or in life.

Let them be ugly, cruel, bored, radiant, algorithmic, divine.

Let them exist between modes.

That’s not the male gaze.
That’s something more dangerous.

I don’t need to be wanted.
I want them to be haunted.