Taking inspiration from a Poets&Writers prompt, I asked our writers at The Bird on Fire to compose a poem about a specific detail or unexpected obsession of a loved one. Alyna and Penny had delightful, dark(?), and illuminating responses.

Blog Advisor Zachik

An “I-Love-You, But . . .” Poem by Upper-Schooler Alyna Rei

I love you but

I find it weird when you let a disgusting cockroach go out rather than “erasing it”

I love you but

I find it annoying when you cut me off when I’m talking

I love you but 

I find it offensive when you don’t “save room for dessert”

I love you but

I find it rude when you make fun of me for being “shy”

I love you but

I find it upsetting when you make me uncomfortable

I love you but you are not it

Sister, a Poem by Middle-Schooler Penny Andreas

I Love you, but when you don’t shut my door after opening it i feel like slamming the door on you. I love you, but when you talk non-stop, I really want to put duct tape on your mouth. 

I love you, but when you steal my clothes I feel the need to burn yours. I really love you, but when you make rambunctious noises at 5:30 AM, I am tempted to lock you outside 🙂