masochist’s psalm

there is no pain more sacred

than when you press your hand

against the base of my neck;

breathing heavy at the nape

as i hope

with each puff

for the wisps of soul

to leave my body.

i have forgotten how to trust people

and i don’t know what love is anymore,

but i know what hurt is

and that is enough.

press your thumbs to my jaw

and tear back the tendons--

kiss me where the muscles snap.

i will not submit

but i will be subdued.

i will not worship you

but i may love you back.

Carina Stopenski (they/them) is a writer, teacher, and librarian out of Pittsburgh, PA. Their work is forthcoming or has been featured in Cathexis Northwest Press, Defunkt Magazine, and The Closed Eye Open, among others.