One rotten apple

The center of my world
remembers the times
we were
laying together
me hoarding each
precious moment
you building up your
fortress of manliness
tonguing me
with your raspy voice
but outside
I know it is not reality
like a worm
inside the apple
it has been eaten away
I push away
all thoughts of you
it was a counterfeit feeling
that poisoned me
against the reality
of what could have been
all because of
one rotten apple
in the barrel.

03151977