milkweed
June Henry
I want to be the sunflower seed
Caught in your teeth
Don't spit me out of your warm mouth
There’s nowhere else for me
I know i'm sharp but i mean no harm
And i think im softening
Please let me stay just for a few days
Before you start brushing
I do not serve to make you impure
I do not aim to agitate
I do not try to claw at your door
I see im peeling back the paint
Will you please be the sickness to me
One i dont heal from
The kind that engulfs and makes me feel full
And garners attention
I will kiss you like real lovers do
Whenever you're lonely
I swear i’ll be good and do what i should
And you don't have to love me
Just keep me around
I'll sleep in the yard with the milkweed
I won't make a sound
Until you call on me to speak