The Lady Heartache

be careful, son, I said
there exists a serpentine figure and her name
rhymes with trap, trick, and trouble
she will wrap you up in blankets
and call you sweet
but honey, she will break your heart
and she won’t tell you why

she comes in forms as fine as feathered pillows
and she sleeps inside you when
you least expect it
but don’t mistake her, son
she calls the other boys while she’s kissing your neck
and you won’t feel a thing
until she bites you, I swear

so step lightly and watch your ankles
especially in tall grasses, and the sea
because she’ll sneak inside your socks
and wriggle up your legs
and nest in places you don’t want to feel
like the crevices under your ribcage
or the base of your neck

be careful, son, I said
she’s out there as we speak
and she will break your heart
but she won’t tell you why