Unread by Valerie Parente

Nothing hurts more
than being unread,
it’s like everybody sees me
without the depth.
Blame it on narcissism,
blame it on sickness,
but I’m sick of my book
being closed on your desk.
Each page is crisp,
sharp on the edge.
I told the whole story
now be my witness.
Please open me up
and read all my subtext.

– Valerie Parente (2-18-2022)