we swallow the things that hurt us most

and if we never spit them out

they could kill us

but most of us choose to force them down

chase them with whatever vice comes to hand easiest

and even when presented with a way

to release them

we still choose to hold every ounce of

them deep within ourselves

they burn holes in our guts

and eat away at our hearts

like battery acid

eaten by a stupid puppy dog

who was too dumb not to

even though everyone told her it was poison

and to stay far away from it

lest she die

from swallowing all the dangerous things