Two Pieces (Katherine Ginsbach)

STD rates are rising, something that is not lost on me. 

Working in public health, I see the vast inequities 

But it was lost on you, as you held my past against me. 

I joked I was a makeout slut in college. 

You joked you were surprised I didn’t catch an STD. 

I was dumbfounded and couldn’t even explain

When a rash from too many days in the river showed up 

You pointed to me, thinking something had laid dormant 

And now was attacking with voracity. 

I couldn’t believe you were serious. 

Plenty of years and tests had proven this was not the case,

But no amount of evidence would erase the past from me.

My past was held hostage,

Weaponized against me. 

No other boy had thought anything of it, 

And they all laughed with me. 

You often took my vulnerabilities 

And turned them against me.

As it was much easier to wage the war on me 

Than for you to take any accountability.