Your Ride-or-Die B–

If I knew then what I know now things could be different

but I know it’d be the same

Cuz you’ve always been an unquenchable fire

and a consuming flame.

You are my crazed obsession

that brings me to my knees;

though it might kill me

I don’t want a cure for this disease.

I should’ve known then when our paths crossed

at the right time, same place

how tight your game was

when that silly smile spread across your cocky face.

You said from the time you saw me

you knew we were destined to be,

But I paid you no attention

because you were too damn young for me.

But you laughed it off

and pursued me while I ran,

And I enjoyed the chase saying,

“Catch me if you can.”

You slowed me down some

the night you massaged my feet.

Though my eyes rolled to the back of my head,

I didn’t yet know you had me beat.

From then on you were killing me softly

slowly getting into my head

Especially when you didn’t push or pry–

you just held me tightly all night in my bed.

Then one night you proved yourself a man

with inches more than eight.

The size of you made me so cock-eyed

I couldn’t see straight.

My heart fell to the floor with fear,

I felt a throb and a slight twitch;

With every flick of your tongue and thrust of your hip,

I became your ride-or-die b–.

We didn’t go out– just kicked it at home,

got high and chilled;

And I didn’t mind it one bit

because of how you made me feel.

You knew I was down

and your game was still air tight

even when you did sh– that was wrong

and especially when we fight.

I’ve been called a fool because of you

and I readily agree

because every time we fight I think

this time you might actually kill me.

Then with fierce anger and a painful groan

I promise myself I’ll leave your crazy ass alone,

But my heart laughs and says,

“Girl, you know that’s a lie.

You his ride-or-die b–

though he makes you cry.”

Sometimes I think you are a forbidden fruit

I should’ve left on the tree,

But hell, I can’t tell the difference–

Did I take a bite out of you or did you bite a plug out of me?

It’s just dawning on me now,

but I think you always knew

the power you have over me

the crazy things you make me do.

And the fact we have a daughter

seals us together.

Could I ever leave you alone?

You know the answer–NEVER.

So here we are

the chips lie where they fall.

Even to me still loving you

makes no sense at all.

But shaking my head

I say with a whispering sigh,

“I’ll always be your ride-or-die b–

and that’s no lie.”

Dedicated to Kaylor

May you resist trees bearing forbidden fruit. 😉

While going through the hardest times of my life, I met some amazing women, each with her own story of love, heartache, and grief. I’m honored that so many of them entrusted me with their stories. Here in the section called The Voices of My Sisters I have memorialized some of them in prose and dedicated them to each of the women they represent. I hope you enjoy them and can also relate. Feel free to share your own story. –D.L. Lunsford