Anti-Love Poem #2 Poem by Patti Masterman

Ever since Romeo and Juliet
Repulsed lovers have considered suicide
As just an offshoot of unrequited love-
Even if the love was refused from the start
Or only existed as a delusion in the mind of the deluded.

I suggest that in modern life
What with plastics, antibiotics, and all this stuff
We have other options to the suicide-only impulse
And since murder practically rules this age,
Maybe you should take out the offensive love withholder, instead.

That would leave you free-
Free for another unsatisfying relationship
To help you remember you don't think
You're of any worth; and once in prison you would be surprised
How many would hurl themselves down to worship at your infamous feet.