Tainted Memories

ESTION _ SAM MYER

i's

O

RP

SS

EA

ent my life denying

eating in my head as oceans of stress continued to wash away the

ch one I would be using at the reading tonight. It was one of many passions but a doubtful mind had me pursuing other things since my family had beaten the idea of

as I stepped out allowing my shoes to greet the hard concrete, the cool ni

their day, the sight somewhat wounding me. It's not that I had anything against relationships, it's just that I watched every day as

nded much to my dismay, each one leaving me with

rebuild my past to create a future, someone to love me despite my overthinking nature and tired heart

eds my spirit, waters my soul, heals my heart, understands my emotions, u

lling hearts and small movements from the crowd of people, the scent from a thousand different fragrances t

le in the club. I glanced around the area gazing at different faces as conversation buzzed, nobod

it settled on the piece I would be performing and

yes met me slowly and I ignored them knowing that stares were all they really could be s

ed the bar and I nodded reaching into my jacket pocket as

I nodded placing the money on the table as the feeling

g or a

mall sip directing my gaze to the source of the

hich I returned before pulling away moving closer to the stage knowing I was up next. The exhausti

s I adjusted the mic to my height. The light shined on me and my insecurity was busy convincing my

voiced earning replies

arning a slight sound of applause and I knew they were all from regulars, people who had sat,

of pleasure for love, don't mistake years for loyalty, and don't paint pain and heartbreak as a necessity in your relationship. Be with someone who inspires you to be better, be with someone who will love you for you, love you na

uestion things. Before you fall into someone, heal you, know you, love you, and Respect you. Learn that love without respect is not love and know that you are more than enough," I finished and loud app

thank you and friendly smile. The glass met my awaiting lips as I down the liquid qui

the sound looking to my right to see the woman from e

iative gaze falling to her beaut

t that from you

id you

not really being able to put up a fight to her assumpt

," I voiced and she smiled

there meeting her curious gaze as my

I asked softly and she re

espond but the bottle meeting the counter had

with a small thank you lifting the

own goodbye, but I deemed it as fate since further interaction would probably just lead t

for rea

joyed the c