17 July 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2801: poisonous mixture

It began warmly, with a gentle hello,

A tender gaze, a secret promise whispered gently.

But veiled under that velvet tone,

Was a concoction intended to deteriorate the bones.

A combination of kindness and control.

Smiles were mixed into a heart that had grown cold.

I drank it slowly, day by day.

Hoping the bitterness would dissipate.

But it clung to my chest like a tightening chain.

Leaving a silent mark.

Love combined with lies, care perverted by pride,

until I was unable to tell what was living and dead.

It wasn't poison in a cup or vial.

However, their acts are intended to seduce.

The silent treatments and guilty sighs.

The truths evaded, the attractively clad lies.

I remained, sipping what I believed to be grace,

until I was unable to recognise my own face.

Now I blurt it out and walk away.

Leave the mixture alone.

Some poisons come with a sweet kiss—

However, I learned that not all love is safe to swallow.