Let’s Play It Straight, Let’s Speak The Truth by Michelle Tan
Oh, you were a lie.
I wouldn’t have dared
to think so then, but
now that I do, I realize
That
couldn’t have ever been true.
That you, linen white
from a lack of meat proteins,
and a love for soy;
That you, passionately in love
with what music could do
for the world –
and especially for you – and
That you,
someone I barely knew,
would love me.
(Your body said you did;
you only wanted to feel
the warmth of mine
against your skin.)
We had both lied to that effect:
That I was cold (I wasn’t)
and that you wanted to be my friend (you didn’t).
We both lack, so much,
but we can’t even tell the difference today.
Three years on from her last contribution to ATG, Michelle is now a writer-in-hiding, and can be found somewhere in north-east Singapore amidst photographs and memories, feeling exactly what she shouldn’t. She is an avid traveller, cat-lover and friend, and would give anything to be back in the city that holds her heart. (Melbourne, if you’re reading this, I will be back for you.)
