Bittersweet

Masticated memories:
bittersweet
swirling vomit
in my mind.

The syrupy nothingness
soothes the soul,
cheats my thoughts,
pacifies me as a mother
calms a tantrum
with sugar.

The acrid aftertaste
leaves an acerbic knot
in my stomach;
acid burns my heart,
causing a tightness
in my chest.

I grit my teeth,
screw my eyes shut,
forcing the memories
deep inside,
swallowing the burning
liquid.

The sickly sweetness
spews sour thoughts
that I desperately
try to contain.