They Say

for Tarik and Asao

you catch more flies with honey than vinegar

as though I’d want flies

But
oh, dear
I’m out of honey

I ran out when I was … eight.

Besides, even if I still had a jar
they’d turn their nose up
at my honey-

we both know they don’t want

even my sweetest honey
couldn’t dull the edge of a blade

what? don’t look at me like that

it’s not me
it’s the truth

and we both know

truth hurts

shoo, fly. don’t bother me.