Love Dipped in Ketchup

Watching black and white television,
rabbit ears wrapped in tin foil,
makes me hungry for fish sticks.

If you’d let me,
I would dip your heart in ketchup
and pretend we had a love that was innocent,
served hot with mac ‘n’ cheese.

I’m going to sell my car,
so I can ride bikes with you
in the back alleys of neighborhoods
yet to be developed.
The only HOA conditions?
That the landscaping exist
only in our imaginations.

I’m in ninth grade again,
my face breaking out with pimples of infatuation.
I want to cut class so you will teach me
how to fold notebook paper in the shape of swans.

If I was more confident,
I would kiss you.
But watching you from a distance
makes me love you more.

I keep all of your notes in a shoe box.
I think they will be fun to read aloud at our wedding.
I pray that you do the same.

I look forward to laughing about that silly time
when you thought the quarterback was a good guy.
Would you like me more
if my creativity were wrapped in leather
and thrown to you from 30 yards away?

Remember that time I was smoking a cigarette?
I’ve never seen you more mad.
I have never smoked since.
Instead, I inhale every word you speak to me.
I’m addicted to the person I hope you are.

I drink too much
because I know you will take care of me.
My words are slurred,
but your eyes speak clearly.
I’m glad that you are kind.

I have perfected combination locks
One day you will need help with your locker
I will be ready
Our love is only three digits away

I bring extra Teddy Grahams to lunch everyday
I know they are your favorite.
When being “cool” does not determine where I eat my food
I will share them
while spoon feeding you Nutella.

I want to throw my chocolate milk across the room
and start a food fight
then kiss you in a downpour of nacho cheese and Fritos
This way, every time I eat chili pie, I will taste you.

Painting banners for a football team that I hate
is the best way I know to be alone with you.
If I held my arms high and wrapped them in aluminum,
would it be more clear that I am in love with you?

Just trying out some new types of writing to those who read this far. Apparently, I’m a writer now, so that means I have to find a voice, supposedly. Feel free to tell me exactly how you felt about this style, story, content, etc. Hurt my feelings if you want, I just need the feedback or the people who pay me money will beat me with a bone whip. And if you're enjoying this blog, consider commenting or subscribing for free.

Tagged as: austin, heartbreak, high school, jon ray, love, love dipped in ketchup, poet, poetry, texas