Much Too Late

You did a lot of stupid things.

You tried to "put me in my place"
As if you were above me
And I had forgotten that I
Belonged at your feet.
   That was stupid.
   I stood just as tall as you.

You tried to bend me to suit your taste
As if I was a display mannequin
And I had forgotten that I
Did not have my own voice.
   That was stupid.
   I deafened you with my scream.

You tried to pacify me and act
As if you were never wrong
And I had forgotten that I
Was the one to blame.
   That was stupid.
   You cried when I glared at you
   With the truth in my eyes.

You ran and ran and ran
As if I couldn't run faster
And you foolishly forgot
To hide from the hidden places.
   That was stupid.
   You thought you were losing me.
   I do not lose. Not to the likes of you.

You did a lot of stupid things
But perhaps the most stupid thing you ever did
Was tell me your Name.
Your true name. Your innermost name.
   That was stupid.
   But I don't suppose you care
   about being intelligent

Now that all you can see
   Are my charcoal eyes
And all you can hear
   Is my crackling voice
And all you can feel
   Are my scorching hands
And all you can touchsmelltaste
   Is me, devouring you
from worlds and worlds away.

You did a lot of stupid things.
Being afraid wasn't one of them,
   Even if it was much too late.