Denial

That one much-maligned emotion

Overused, clichéd, much worn out

Boxed in, wrung dry, of

Every nuance that it can sprout–

Like the patriarch, too strong

To let any in the fold stray,

Like the battered wife, too agreeable

Ever to have her own way.

Why would I want to shackle myself

Around, within, beyond, above?

No, no, and a thousand times no!

I refuse to be in love.

~2 February 2010