

"Love Machine" by Christopher Troise
Act I: illuminated screen in bed
I'm putting myself out there
though I'd rather sleep instead
validation brings a hit of joy
though I'm trying hard to fight it
getting blinded by a boy
Act II: a darkened corner of a crowded bar
trying not to get my hopes up
but it's going well so far
sudden bliss: an electric kiss
what did I do to deserve a perfect love like this?
I don't wanna break that pretty love machine
if I keep my conscience clean
won't have to make another mistake
but everything I've done's like being caught between
a perfect sunset scene
and a litany of heartbreak
Act III: sunset in Central Park
you tell me that your favorite time of day
is right before it's dark
though on paper everything's okay
and I don't want to admit it
I can feel you pull away
Act IV: my apartment, Sunday afternoon
getting tired of confusion
and not a moment too soon
I'll regret it if I never try
so I tell you that I love you
and you say goodbye
I've got a rose-colored pen
and though I know it's not smart
to plot a twenty year chart from just a smile
here I go again
while you're protecting your heart
I'm here perfecting my art
art of denial