an unrehearsed universe

When it was

when it was
you and I
your breath
taste smell
were perfect

when it was
us and them
cracks appeared
we never learned
being together
around other people

whether it was
you and I
us and them
you owned me
an objet d'art
one that spoke well
of your taste

when it was
you and I
gifts stemmed
from affection
decorative gems
testified to adoration
complements to vows
sworn before
man and God

when it was
us and them
you made of me a whore
a mercenary
willing to sell
her youth her sex
to the first
competitive bidder

whether it was
you and I
us and them
you loved me
much like
your Fabergé eggs
or vintage war posters
the pride
of a collector

when it was
you and I
we equated
eros with freedom
it did not matter who
dealt the lashes
knelt in ropes

when it was
us and them
I was as securely fastened
as the money
that dwelt in your wallet
chained to your side

when it was
us and them
I often forgot
the myriad transactions
blinded by romance
I gave away my love
for cheap

when it was
you and I
you never failed
to remind me
of my idiocy
or make me pay
for such folly