“Things You Should Know Before Falling In Love With Me” by Lane Phifer

one – i do not come with a warning label, 

but if i did, 

the word ‘damaged’ would be inked onto my skin with regret, 

as if I had done it to myself one night – drunk and alone. 

it’s a sign that just because i am this way, does not mean i want you to fix me. 

i want to fix myself. 

two – they say that home is where the heart is, 

but my definition of home is the body i was given. 

for my body is a temple that has been demolished by the hands of strangers, 

yet is still standing, 

and if you are lucky enough to explore my sanctuary, 

along with all the things that you have not seen; 

i will make you understand what the pagans called God. 

three – it will not be easy. 

four –  some days, i will be the light in my own darkness. 

some days, i will need you to help me find the light within. 

even someone like me will need a helping hand once in a while. 

and some days i will need you to hold my own [hand]. 

i am afraid i can not always do this on my own. 

five –  i hope you’re the one. 

six – and if one day, when we have not seen nor talked to each other for months, 

and i pass the corner of 5th and main to see you with your new lover, 

i will not cry; but my heart will sink into the deepest ocean, 

my hands will turn into a fist as i realize that I have not seen this before, 

you look so familiar – like something that was never really mine. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Lane Phifer is a freshman this year. 

Phifer started writing poetry when he was 12, after a poetry assignment in one of his classes. 

“I’ve loved doing it ever since,” Phifer said. “It’s helped me address how I feel in the most beautiful way.”

Phifer said he was both proud and surprised to place in the contest. 

“[I’ve] gotten so much positivity out of [the contest] from my fellow peers,” Phifer said. “I can’t wait for next year to show what else I am capable of and to grow more as a poet.”