Out

When I was a child, I adored the countryside—

The peaceful fields the whistling in the trees,

The wide expanse of green and gold,

The stars shining stark bright in the vast dark sky.

Now?

            I hate it.

It’s the cage I’ve always feared, that makes my heart squeeze

The lungs suffocate, draining part of my living brain.

I’m done screaming and not being heard.

Even if I’m not comfortable, even if it isn’t perfect,

Even if I’m apprehensive, or even scared—

I’m going to use the truth,

            Actions

Louder than words

            Are going to speak.

My silence, my absence

Will be heard.

            And the cage

I’ll force it to disappear.

No, It's Not

Isn’t it funny how

Just one simple action

Can put enough power into a threat

That is made countless times

From child to adult,

It still keeps you down.

You want to fight it,

But just a smack of words,

Your mind reverts,

Fear sits there like the monster under the bed

Lurking and waiting—

It makes you quiet.

You shut your mouth,

Silence.

Breathe In

Breathe in,

Breathe out.

Let in,

I drown.

I want that love.

I survive without it.

The kiss at night

Within the silence.

Brush your hand

Against this soul

Do you feel

The cracks so old?

Remove the words

The unsaid and spoken.

Listen to the heartbeat

Please, take action.

Thump.

Flutter.

Still.

Together.