Marked and Digested
written by: Maliya Denise Wilmore
184 miles fueled
and burned
3 years of my life
Never returned
You hunted me at 19
And nailed me
down at 20
I was imprinted
Marked
and digested
I waited
I invested
The fire continued
to burn
I was young & dumb
enjoying every cent
Of your time
Not knowing
it will only ever be cents
Sadly
It was all you can afford
I inspired you—
To become the man
I wanted
Unfortunately
For someone else
Why couldn’t you—
Be that for me
I was there for you
And then you left me
I was ready to make
The 4 rooms
a home
You scooped me
When I was young
And wouldn’t let me go far
Your pretty little trophy
The hidden display
I was do green
You trained me well
Yet, you dropped me
So you can go far
You knew me
You get me
You knew how to hurt me
Our last fight
Was our quietest
Moments
Even then,
You still didn’t fight
for me
How is that fair?
I had to learn—
How to unlove you
To unlearn you
How is that fair?
- Marked and Digested - May 16, 2026
- Poise - January 30, 2026
- Spotlight On Writers – Maliya Denise Wilmore - November 29, 2025
