the first date

don't go he pleads,
holding onto
her ankle
as she drags him
through
the yard, his body
a plow
against the dirt
and leaves.
i love you i love
you i love.
he says, then takes
out a small pen
knife. look, he
says, i'm cutting
myself, i will
bleed to death if
you leave me.
but the knife is
dull and leaves
only a purple bruise
against his wrist.
please, he says,
let's have a second date,
just one more try.
i promise you'll
learn to love me.