I don't ask that you love me
Or love who I am
Or love what I do
I don't ask you to emulate me
Or imitate me
Or parody me
I don't ask you to support me
Or defend me
Or admire me
All I ask of you is
Don't
Hate
Me
I came to her party with him
We were prepared for an awkward reception
"Who is he?" she asked, sipping a martini
"Who do you think?" I answered, nonchalant
"A friend?" she guessed, her glass still.
"More than," I replied, and speared a grape.
For a moment she was speechless.
Then she exclaimed, "Do you mean-"
"Does it come as a shock?"
"Well, I don't know…I -"
"Am not surprised?" I finished for her.
"What will I tel