Everybody Hurts

Poetry originally published in the zine Blue Eyes and Blue Jeans by Linda McGee in 1995.

So, what do we do now, Hutch?
I’m so sick of this shit
and right now, I’m sick of you.
You tell me you love me
then you do something like this.
You defend me from everyone
then you go out of your way to
hurt me yourself.
Do you think that it’s better being hurt
by a friend?
Should I thank you
for ripping my heart out
so that it wouldn’t be a stranger who did it?
No, thanks.
I know people hurt each other a lot,
there are times when it can’t be helped
and other times when it just happens.
I know I’ve hurt you.
But damnit, Hutch,
Why do you have to do it so often?
Or so well?
And why is there a small part of me
that thinks a small part of you actually
enjoys it?