Fraud by Lauren Elizabeth Taylor

Shame rests on my chest heavier than his head.
Oh, how I tire of his warmth.
It covers my exterior but does not seep through
to my bones. I shiver inside my skin.
I never thought it would hurt this much
to not be in love. To enjoy the company but
companionship is not enough.
Guilt sickens my stomach with each insatiable kiss.
Why would ‘I love you’ mean more from a woman’s lips?

Lauren E. Taylor is a queer writer from Derbyshire, England. She is a co-founder and former editor of Derby University’s Writer’s Block magazine and has a Master of Arts in publishing. When she isn’t writing, she plays the piano and watches horror films with her grandparents. Lauren can be found at @lauren_eltaylor on Twitter.