malpractice
my boyfriend smelled like bandaids,
injected insulin, medicinal cologne
his bedroom door would close
with doctor’s appointment formality
both naked in hospital gowns
raking over me with surgeon’s eyes
dropping my daily diagnoses
he urged treatment urged hospital
my armchair doctor not unloving
and when my inpatient ended
and i checked myself out
and walked myself home
he hung wanted posters boasting
how he knew what was wrong with me
Belle Elyse is a junior at SUNY Purchase, where they are pursuing a degree in creative writing. Their work has never previously been published. They are currently in your closet or under your bed.